Charles Frank Mermoud
February 11, 1934 - July 18, 2023
Obituary
Dr. Charles Frank Mermoud, an exceptionally kind and gentle soul , known as Frank by all, passed away at the age of 89 in Federal Way, Washington (formerly of Overland Park, Kansas) after a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
Frank was a beloved husband who leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and love of his life for 68 years, Juanita Mae Mermoud (Bartelsmeyer). Together, they acted as role models for their children and grandchildren and as a result, all grew up to be kind, loyal, and successful human beings. Frank leaves behind two daughters, Leslie Mermoud-Babbott (Chip) of Auckland, New Zealand, and Dr. Laurel R. Mermoud Harris (Greg) of Tacoma, Washington. He also leaves behind six amazing and accomplished grandchildren, of whom he was quite proud. Frank and Juanita left the Kansas City area for Federal Way in 2007 to be closer to their grandchildren, but they never forgot their connections to close friends in Kansas City.
Frank was raised on his family’s farm outside of Monett, Missouri with his parents, George and Crystal and his sister, Martha. Frank played football in high school, was senior class president, and then married Juanita in 1954. He left the farm for college at University of Missouri, and eventually moved to the Overland Park area of Kansas City. Frank’s intellectual thirst led him to earn a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Kansas, while working and raising two daughters, being a constant presence in their lives and a loving husband.
Frank spent the majority of his career in the Shawnee Mission School District, first as a teacher, football coach, and guidance counselor, and finally as principal of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. While he was principal, Frank’s school was chosen to be visited by then-President Ronald Reagan for an extensive tour, as it was considered the prime example of a high-achieving school that prepared its students well for both college and their future lives. He was a dedicated and passionate educator, cultivating meaningful relationships with students, staff and peers, while unfailingly supporting them to be their best. He was a capable, thoughtful, and gentle person, respectful to all walks of life and respected by all who knew him. The evidence of his success was the love and admiration he received throughout his life.
Frank’s many joys included reading, doting on his dogs, volunteering, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, collecting fine pieces of art, and traveling with his family. Summer vacations consisted of road trips all over North America and Canada, but particularly to the Rocky Mountains. Frank and Juanita loved Aspen Colorado; it became a family tradition to spend summers in those glorious mountains, making sure to take in the 4th of July parade and fireworks. After retirement, he and Juanita traveled more of the world, including Europe to Japan, New Zealand and Australia, exploring a much wider world than the farm life in Monett, Missouri where he grew up. However, he kept his farm memories alive by telling tales from his childhood of the determination, heartache and hard work it takes to raise animals and grow food.
As an educator, inspiration and truly good man, Frank touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Donations in memory of Frank’s life and passion can be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
Beth Jantsch
Dr Frank Mermoud was the kindest man and a great mentor to me. Frank hired me to teach Social Science at SM Northwest. I was also Student Council Sponsor during the time he was there. He showed great confidence in me, which gave me confidence in myself, as a young teacher just out of college.
He also hired me as Department Chairperson for the Social Science Department. I remember he stood out in the hall to make sure my first department meeting went well. He went around in the morning to stop by and say good morning to all staff in department offices before school. There was never a Student Council event in which he didn’t miss writing a note. He was supportive of the students and his staff. When each of my children were born— he also wrote cards. He was always thoughtful in that way— to everyone. One of the sadness days of my career is when Dr Mermoud decided to retire. Many of us felt this loss. We were happy that he got to travel and enjoy life but we all missed his leadership and his kindness. He is fondly remembered by so many of us at Northwest. My condolences go out to his wife, daughters, grandchildren and all his family. He made such a mark on our lives as educators and individuals.
Fondly, Beth Jantsch
Retired Teacher(2017) from SMNW