Cornelis "Casey" Mermans

1938 - 2026

Cornelis "Casey" Mermans

December 8, 1938 - February 27, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - Cornelis Adrianus Maria "Casey" Mermans, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Casey was born on December 8, 1938, in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, the only son of Antonius Johannes Maria "Ton" Mermans and Elisabet Martha Maria "Bets" Segers. He was raised alongside his five sisters in Nijmegen, where the foundations of his character - hard work, warmth, sense of humor and a spirit of adventure - were shaped. After graduating from Hotel Management School in Maastricht, he pursued a career in hospitality, working in Paris, London, New York, and San Francisco, embracing the spirit of the industry that would help define his early professional life.

It was in San Francisco, while working at a Hyatt Hotel, that Casey took a chance on a new opportunity with Pixie Kinder Photo, based in Charlotte, North Carolina - a career change that would alter the course of his life in the most meaningful way. On a business trip to Germany, he met Johanna Adrianna Josephina "Anke" Kreuger, also employed at Pixie Kinder Photo, and the two fell in love. Casey and Anke married on April 1, 1967, in Schiedam, The Netherlands, beginning a partnership of nearly six decades that stood as a testament to enduring devotion and shared adventure.

Shortly after their wedding, Casey returned to the United States with Anke, joining their dear friend Bud Davis in founding a portrait photography venture that would grow into PCA International, Inc., a prominent company headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina. Casey's entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, and dedication were central to the company's success, and he spent a decade overseeing PCA's growing operations. During this time, the family relocated several times between the Netherlands and the United States before permanently settling in the U.S. in 1981.

Casey had many passions - investing, business consulting, flying airplanes, traveling, and a lifelong love of fine German automobiles, especially convertibles, which he appreciated for their craftsmanship, performance, and timeless design. But above all, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose steady presence, guidance, and love shaped generations of those closest to him.

In 1989, Casey and Anke founded The Merancas Foundation, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need within their community. It is through the continued work of the Foundation that Casey's kindness, generosity, and compassion will live on long after him.

Casey is survived by his beloved wife, Anke; his four children, Anthony "Andy" Mermans and his wife Robin, Jennifer Mermans, Bryan Mermans and his wife Robin, and Nicole Vezenegho and her husband Samy; and his eleven cherished grandchildren (Ellie, Kase, Buchanan, Jake, Walker, Nicholas, Aerin, Austin, Spencer, Annika, and Aza). He is also survived by his sisters Josje and Janny. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bets and Ton Mermans, and his sisters Addie, Jopie, and Cokky.

Casey was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, generosity, and an unshakable devotion to family that will endure through the generations.

The family expresses their gratitude for the excellent care provided to Casey by The Sharon and First Light and to his devoted caregivers, Jessica, Kow, Innocent, Melissa, Anna, Chanita, Ruby and many others.

A private celebration of Casey's life will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in Casey's memory.