SOUTH WOODSTOCK – Robert Merle Hinkley Sr., 64, of Andrews Road, died July 17, at his home.

He was born in South Bethel, on March 12, 1941, the son of Merle and Elsie (Dunham) Hinkley, and attended Bethel schools.

He worked at the Bethel Furniture Stock for more than 20 years as a foreman.

He married Gertrude (Walker) Hinkley on Aug. 5, 1961.

He loved to fish, hunt and gamble.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years of South Woodstock; five great children, Jacqueline Kimball of South Paris, April Wells and her husband, Jeff, of Greenwood, Robert Hinkley and his wife, Shelly, of Bethel, Janie Knox and Tom Locklin of Bethel, and Heidi Kogut and her husband, Mark, of Phoenix, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Nada Sessions and her husband, Warren, of Norway, Pat Hart and her husband, Earl, of Bethel, Nancy Palmer and her husband, Herman, of Bryant Pond, and Louise Howard of Strong; many nieces, nephews and friends; and his good buddy, his dog, Sophie.