Charles L. Merz, 74, of Horton, Kansas passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on June 22, 1937 in Horton, Kansas the son of Floyd and Helen Henry Merz. After graduating from Horton High School, Charles served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After receiving an honorable discharge he went to work for the City of Horton for over forty one years as the Utility Supervisor in the Water Department and was known as "Water Truck Chuck". The city retired his call number 73. Chuck was a member of the First Christian Church in Horton, was a former Boy Scout Leader. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, hunting, camping and spending time with his family. In 1960 he married Dorothy Monaghan in Willis, Kansas, they later divorced. On June 7, 1984 he married Shirley McCord Stuart in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Gary (Lisa) Merz of Muscotah, Kansas, and Robin Merz of Meriden, Kansas; daughter, Laura Merz of Topeka, Kansas; step son, James (Colleen) Stuart of Horton, Kansas; brother, Alvin (Jeanie) Merz of Meriden, Kansas; two sisters, Ida (Tom) Smith of Holton, Kansas and Glenda Rogers & Larry Jerome of Horton, Kansas; four grandchildren, five step grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dennis Merz, two brothers, Wayne and Floyd Merz, sister, Evelyn Gore and one great grandson, Camden Merz. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Burial with Military Graveside Rites will be at the Horton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Chuck Merz memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com