Dr. Merlos

Dr. Ricardo Merlos passed away on Saturday, October 13th, 2018, in Meridian. He was born January 17, 1945 in Santa Ana, El Salvador to Jose Fermin and Dolores Merlos. He grew up in San Salvador and in his youth had a curiosity for aviation, military service, and the medical field. He began his career in medicine at the University in El Salvador, and served as personal physician to a Salvadorian President for 3 years. He completed his residency and internship in Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. After graduation he was an esteemed professor at MCW.  He moved to Pascagoula Mississippi in 1981 and worked on staff at Singing River Hospital for 36 years. In 2016 he began working at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian and served as the Medical Director of Anesthesia.
He had a deep passion for his profession as an anesthesiologist & physician. He loved spending time on the water, an avid fisherman, airplane pilot, and photographer.
He retired as a Colonel from the United States Army and served in the Army Reserves for 20 years. He was thrilled to repay and serve his country for his citizenship. He served in Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, & Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Merlos is preceded in death by his beloved Grandmother Aminta "Mama Aminta" Aguilar de Guevara and his parents, Jose Fermin Merlos and Dolores De Jesus Guevara de Merlos.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Darlene Altom Merlos; sister Angela Merlos (Oscar) de Mendoza; his sons, Ricardo Jose Merlos, R Ernesto (Antonieta) Merlos; two step-children, Josiah (Monica) Overstreet and Mysteria (Fiancé Aaron Wells) Guthery; grandchildren, Marietta Guthery, Luke, Elijah, & Rhys Overstreet; cousin, Dr. Ben (Late Wife Gloria) Simo; niece, Aura Lucia Mendoza; best friends, Dr. John (Phyllis) McCloskey, Edward (Mary) Jones; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. John McKee, Dr. Alfred McNair and Staff, Dr. John Voss and staff, Dr. Scott Anderson & staff, the staff of the 4th floor of Anderson Regional Medical Center, Colleagues and Peers from Anderson Regional Medical Center, Home Instead, and Harper's Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at REIMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A graveside service with military honors will be at Biloxi National Cemetery on Friday October 19, 2018 at 9:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Resurrection Catholic School High School Campus. 520 Watts. Ave, Pascagoula MS 39567.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com