Merle Dean Reider

Merle was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Madeline Reider, son Charles Reider, mother Helen Gohn, father Charles Reider and his sister Nancy Olp.

He is survived by his sons Steve and John Reider, his grandchildren Elizabeth Niles, Christopher Reider, Tawni Lay, Crystal Woolard, Lauren Reider-Hallmark, nine great grandchildren, brothers Levere Reider and Harry Reider and sisters Norma Reynolds and Joan Weaver.

Merle served in the United States Army Air Corp from 1945 until the end of WWII, the Vietnam War 1965-1966 and served a total of 24 years of honorable service, retiring as a First Sargent. Merle then served many years as Assistant Chief of Police for the Copperas Cove Police Department after retiring from the Army.

A graveside service will take place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, December 21st at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center at 403 Indian Trail, Harker Heights, Texas 76548 in honor of Merle’s love for his beloved pets.