Charles A. Merle

Charles A. ""Chuck"" Merle, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Largo, Fla. died Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Merle was born Nov. 4, 1937 in Detroit, Mich. He had retired after many years as a self-employed heating and cooling contractor; and was an avid Buccaneer fan.

On April 14, 1995 he married Ruth Belknap in Las Vegas. She survives.

Other survivors include four sons: Michael Merle and wife Sharon of Hinton, Okla., Mark Merle and wife Dana Fort Wayne, Ind., Mitch Merle and wife Kathy of Valparaiso, Ind. and Charles Merle and wife Maria of Lakeland, Fla.; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and a sister, Mildred Scovil of Issaquah, Wash.

Mr. Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm R. and Lillian (Cary) Merle.

A celebration of life service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12th at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with Mr. Jack Armor officiating. Interment of Mr. Merle's ashes will follow at the City Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.