SOUTH PARIS – Mearle H. Burnell, 60, of South Paris, died Sunday, Jan. 11 at his home.

He was born in Portland, on Dec. 23, 1948, the son of Walter and Ellen Harney Burnell. He graduated from Greeley High School and had been employed at Bill Dodge Auto for 36 years.

He married Dayle Standley on June 3, 2006. He loved auto racing and snowmobiling. He was an avid deer hunter and bird hunter.

He is survived by his wife of South Paris; his mother of Bridgton; his daughter, Venessa Bernier and her husband, Aaron, of Gray; four grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Deanna Merchant and Heather Morgan; a stepson, Christopher Morgan; a step-granddaughter; a brother, Carlton Burnell of Warren; two sisters, Sandra Witham and her husband, Ray, of Falmouth and Patricia Edwards of Naples; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father; a sister-in-law, Sandra Burnell; and a brother-in-law, Kenney Edwards.