Merlin Cryer

Merlin "Bruce" Cryer, 58, of Brenham, was called to heaven Friday at the VA Hospital in Temple. Bruce was born January 31, 1950 to Merlin Edward Cryer and Hazel Morgan Cryer in Humble, Texas. Bruce was a decorated soldier and served as a Green Beret with the Special Forces in Vietnam. He was serving with the 5th SFG Airborne and was also a parachute rigger. Awards received include the Combat Infantryman''s Badge in the 5th SFGA; 1st SF, the Bronze Star First Oak Leaf Cluster, Parachute Badge; Certificate of Appreciation and Letter of Commendation. He was also a Life Member of Special Forces Chapter 39 in Houston, and the VFW in Bellville. Bruce''s last duty assignment and major command was with the HHC 5th SFGA 1st SF, where he was honorably discharged in April 1972. He loved spending time with his son Merlin Lee, going fishing and riding his Harley. He is survived by his wife, Linda Meyer of Brenham; a son, Merlin L. Cryer of Spring; daughter Natalie and husband Philip Lopresti of Missouri City; step-children Ashley and Wendy Meyer; grandchildren Tony, Katherine, Dillon, and Heather Lopresti; step-grandchildren Jaiden and Kaylin Meyer, and his beloved dog, Kilo. Funeral services for Merlin "Bruce" Cryer will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. A graveside service will follow at the Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Visitation with family present will take place Monday, June 16, 2008 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers are Mike Augan, Troy Carroll, Merlin L. Cryer, and Gary Greer. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.