Charles Edward Merritt, age 86 of Malvern, died Monday morning, December 5, 2016 at his home. He was born in Craighead County, Arkansas on March 31, 1930 to the late Thomas Merritt and Maude Ford Merritt. Reared and educated in Jonesboro, he had been a resident of Malvern since 1997. He was a boiler operator at several area sawmills, including Fox Brothers, Toler Lumber Company, and International Paper. Mr. Merritt was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Irene Jensen Merritt of Malvern, to whom he was married on November 16, 1964; by a son, James Merritt of Malvern; two sisters, Lola Chambers of Portland, Oregon, and Doris Thompson of Jonesboro; three grandsons, Josh, Chris, and Jonathon Merritt; and four great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Blake, and Trevor Merritt.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Merritt.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.