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Henry J. "Hank" Merbler
August 2, 1920 ~ October 4, 2015
ARLINGTON -- Henry J. "Hank" Merbler, 95, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Arlington.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 S. Davis Drive, Arlington. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington, alongside his wife, Bea. Visitation: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church, with a rosary at 7 p.m.
Memorials: Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the St. Maria Goretti Church Building Fund.
Known to his friends as Hank, he was born Aug. 2, 1920, in Passaic, N.J. Hank was the son of immigrants, John and Kathrine Merbler, and was a cradle Roman Catholic. Hank was educated in New Jersey schools through grade school and high school. He graduated from Casey Jones School of Aeronatics with a degree as associate aero-engineer. Hank joined Vought-Sikorsky in March 1941 in Stratford, Conn., as a member of the engineering team designing the model F4U-1 Corsair. He worked on 26 different Vought airplane models, missiles, rockets with U.S. and foreign military personnel. Hank was employed for 41 years with Chance Vought companies. In 1996, he organized Vought retirees to develop a world-class website and restore Vought aircraft (manufactured 1917-1968) for state displays in museums.
Hank and his family moved to Dallas in November 1948. He was active in all sports and loved golf and fishing. He was president of his 1938 Garfield High School class and continued his "presidential" cares, being a president of the U.S. Navy League, Dallas Council, Arlington Senior Men's Golf Association, Vought Management Club, St. Maria Goretti Leisure Club, Arlington Metro Service Club and Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation. He was president three terms of the Horizon Bay Retirement Living Resident Council in Arlington.
Hank was active in Pantego politics for 28 years, as a member of committees, council and mayor (1987-1991).
He was a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed.
Hank was preceded in death by his precious wife of 65 years, Beatrice Loomis Merbler.
Survivors: Sons, Jack Merbler, Ken Merbler and wife, Linda, and Richard Merbler and wife, Amy; sister, Elsie Siems; sister-in-law, Arlene Loomis; grandchildren, John, Brian, Steve, Kate and Robyn; great-grandchildren, Evan, Cole, Eva and Jenson; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Wade Family Funeral Home
Arlington, 817-274-9233
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Please accept our condolences at the loss of your father. He wa so friendly and he will be missed by the residents at Horizon Bay.
May all your wonderful memories bring you peace at this time.
This wonderful man and his lovely wife Bea were my Godparents never forgot my birthday and saw many of my football games. Mr. Merbler always called me “My Charlie Boy” I have great memories with this family on the lake and he will be forever in my heart.
God Bless to the entire Merbler family.
Charlie Boucher
Dear Jack, Ken, and Richard, Growing up next door to your family I remember your dad teaching us to build a snowman. We Texans had no idea how it was done! I know you will have many wonderful memories of both your parents. They were such sweet people and great neighbors! God bless you all.
To the Merbler Family: I’m very sorry to read of the loss of your loved one. During times like these it’s all to easy to feel helpless and without hope. It’s clear from the comments he will be missed. When my family and I experience tragedy of this sort we often turn to the scriptures for endurance. Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 21:4 speaks of a time when death will be a thing of the past and our loved ones will be reunited with us. Continue to beg God for endurance until that time comes.