Edward Charles "Hippie" Kotrlik Jr. 64 of Merkel passed away Wednesday March 09 2011.  Visitation will be Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. at North's Funeral Home 242 Orange Street. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in North's Memorial Chapel with Darrell Conway officiating. Edward was born April 2 1946 in Ballinger Texas to Edward and Louise Kotrlik. He married Barbara Conway in 1968 in Ballinger and they had two children Sandra and Lee.  He worked as a cowboy in Ballinger Roscoe Winters and Abilene until 1975 when he went to work for Bontke Brothers Construction Company in Abilene. He remained with Bontke Brothers as an equipment operator and grade settler until his illness forced him to retire in 2008. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Richard and Robert. He is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter Sandra Kotrlik of Post Texas; son Lee Kotrlik and wife Anita of Sparks Nevada; six grandchildren: Justin Kyle Kayla Nicholas Noah and Matthew Kapalske; four brothers John of Vancouver WA Joe of Baton Rouge LA Dan of Ballinger TX Ken of Donna TX; three sisters Carolyn of San Angelo TX Sharon of Bay City TX and Alice of Denver CO. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be make to Hendrick Hospice Care 1900 Pine Street Abilene TX 79601 or Alzheimer's Association 301 S Pioneer Drive Suite 105 Abilene TX 79605. Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com