PARIS —Clarence H. “Sonny” Merrill died Sunday, April 12, at the Maine Veterans’ Home. He was born in Poland on Aug. 8, 1925, the son of Clarence C. and Esther Martin Merrill. After graduating from South Paris High School in 1943, he served as a U. S. Army medic during WWII. In 1944, he married Marjorie M. Burns, who passed away in 1976. In 1978, he married Bernice Paine Kane.
He was a founding member of the Foster-Carroll American Legion Post 72 in South Paris, serving in all the offices including commander (1957). He was a member of the Paris Lodge No. 94 AF & AM, joining in 1959, serving as master (1967) and treasurer (1971-1999).
He enjoyed woodworking, working in his yard, dining out and keeping in touch with friends and family on his computer.
He is survived by his wife of Oxford; sister Eloise Collette of South Paris; son Steven M. Merrill of Norway; daughters Virginia M. Rice of Harrison and Linda M. Tenney of Springfield, Va; stepdaughters Donna Staples, Mary-Ellen Louque and Karol Smith, all of Oxford; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister Gloria Komulainen of Standish.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Family and friends may attend visitation on Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Paris Lodge 94 AF & AM will conduct public Masonic services at 6:30 p.m., followed by Foster-Carroll American Legion Post 72 at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to a charity or community organization of your choice will be appreciated. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.
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