Charles Everett Merritt

Charles Everett, son of Everett and Elizabeth Merritt, was born May 5, 1949, at Kellerton, Iowa and departed this life on December 28, 1969 in Vietnam, at the age of 20 years, seven months and 23 days.

At the age of eight years, he gave his heart to Jesus Christ, and grew constantly in the knowledge and performance of God’s Way.

He graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 1967. He was a member of the Easton Baptist Church.

In May of 1969, he entered the army, and in October was sent to Vietnam, where he was assigned to the 25th Division. Merritt reportedly was one of seven infantrymen killed in a 10 minute skirmish in the Hobo Woods.

Left to mourn his death are his parents; two sisters, Rose Anne, of the home, and Marlene Schultz of Des Moines; a brother Stephen, of Altoona; a sister-in-law, Neva Merritt; one brother-in-law, Larry Schultz; a niece and four nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held January 6 from the Hamilton Funeral Chapel in Des Moines, conducted by the Rev. L.A. Daughtery, assisted by the Rev. Eldon Weaver of Altoona. Music was provided by Mrs. Irene McConnell and Nancy McConnell, vocalists. A second service was conducted in the Kellerton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Daughtery being assisted by the local paster, Rev. Sheridan M. mallott. Francis McDowell sang, accompanied by Mrs. Louise Meadows, organist. Casketbears were Allen Fisher, Roger Kerns, Jim Stroud, Allen Casper, Clovie Robbins and Norman McKeever. Burial was in the Merritt Cemetery near Kellerton.