November 6, 2010

SUFFOLK — Charles Edward Mertig II, 67, passed away peacefully at home Nov. 6, 2010 in Eclipse, Va. Charles, a native of Eclipse, graduated from Chuckatuck High School in 1961 and played on the varsity football team. Upon graduating high school, he began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, where he was introduced to the love of his life and lifelong companion, Evlyn Hardy “Pat” Mertig, of Hampton, Va. He took a position as an electrician at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1967 and retired in 1997 after 30 years of service. Having grown up on the water, that is where he loved spending much of his time cruising the rivers and fishing. He cherished spending time with his boys and had a special place in his heart for all of God’s creatures. He was an active member of the Freemasons and Scottish Rite and was the Senior Warden of the Nansemond Lodge, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and served on the Chuckatuck High School Reunion committee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Earl Mertig and Helen Briggs Mertig. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Pat, his two children, John Michael Mertig, of Suffolk, and Karl Edward Mertig and wife, Stephanie, of Virginia Beach, brother, Robert Lee Mertig and wife, Rita, of Richmond, and nieces, Karen Lee Mertig and husband, John, of Chicago, and Kelley Ann Mertig and husband, Mario, of Richmond.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Suffolk by the Rev. Carl LeMon, followed by burial in Mount Zion Cemetery in Eclipse with Masonic rites. The family will receive friends in Baker-Foster Funeral Home Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor his life make a donation in his memory to their favorite charity. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.