Edward Ben Merka was born in Taylor, Texas on July 22, 1941, as the first born child of Ben and Mary Merka. He was married to Clara Agnes Schaefer on November 7, 1964, whom he cherished even past her departure from this world on August 8, 2005. Lucky enough to find love a second time in one life, he married Katherine Rowald on May 25, 2013.
He leaves behind to honor his memory his wife, Katherine Merka; his beloved children: son, Edward B. Merka Jr.; son David Merka and Michelle; daughter, Carolyn Traynor and James; sisters, Mary Rose Stelly and Annie Colley; grandchildren, Michael Benjamin Proler, Christopher Daniel Merka, Emily Beth Merka, Ashley Michelle Merka, and James (J.T.) Edward Traynor.
Private family services were held and a memorial service to celebrate Ed's life will be planned for a later date.