Charles E. Merritt , 88, Minot, ND, formally of Hyde Park, NY, passed away November 18, 2008 in a Minot hospital, surrounded by his daughters.

Charles was born August 18, 1920 to Enos and Welthea (Bates) Merritt and grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corp. He was honorably discharged October 1945. Charles returned to Poughkeepsie where he married Louise Buffone and settled in Hyde Park, NY. Together they had two daughters, Patricia and Linda. Charles owned and operated a successful construction company until his retirement.

He and Louise moved to Monroe, NC where they lived till the passing of Louise in 1999.

He is survived by his daughters Patricia Miller, Surrey, ND and Linda Merritt, Fayetteville, NC and grandchildren Stacie Wattendorf, Auburn, ME, William Miller, Grand Forks, ND, Christopher Miller, Minot, ND, Justin Merritt, Fayetteville, NC and great grandchildren Karmen and Olivia Wattendorf, Auburn, ME.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

A private service will be held in Hyde Park at a later date.