Marvin Kenneth Merkel, born in San Antonio, Texas on August 23, 1938, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2018 to rejoin his wife of 53 years, Hilda Merkel, eternally in heaven. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Margaret Merkel, his baby daughter, Wendy Gayle Merkel and brother-in-law, Ernie Willmann.
He leaves behind his family to continue on his memory: daughter Shannon Vela and husband Robert, son Mark Merkel and wife Yvette, daughter Kelly Kroner and husband Mike, brother James Merkel and wife Barbara, sister Marilyn Lara and husband JJ, sister-in-law Mimi Willmann, four grandchildren: Timothy Kroner, Emily Merkel, Hailey Merkel, Robert Vela Jr, and countless friends and family.
He was a 1957 graduate of Schertz-Cibolo High School and stayed active with his former classmates to organize many school reunions.
Red enlisted in the Army Reserves on June 16, 1957 and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, then later at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. During his time, he was an auto mechanic and an aerial photographer. He was honorably discharged SP5 rank on June 30, 1964.
He was employed at City Public Service as an electrical supervisor for 35 years. At the age of 58 he was able to retire and enjoy his life full time with his wife Hilda. His hobbies included classic car restoration, radio-controlled airplanes, model trains, old western movies, and classic country music.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to Eden Hill and Kindred Hospice who helped care for him at the end of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the following organizations: American Diabetes Association 1100 NE Interstate 410 Loop San Antonio, TX 78209 or Texas Oncology New Braunfels for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer Research 1448 E. Common Street New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Visitation will be held at St Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 9th from 5PM to 9PM. Funeral service will be Monday, September 10th at 2PM at St Paul Lutheran Church. Interment to follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.
