1921 – 2013

AUBURN — Francis R. Merkle, 91, a resident of Park Street, Livermore Falls, died Dec. 13, 2012, at Hospice House of Androscoggin.

He was born April 11, 1921, in Portland, the son of the late Francis Leslie and Martha (Robertson) Merkle. He attended school in Livermore Falls and graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1939.

After having completed numerous courses in banking, he graduated from the New England School of Banking at William’s College.

He married Dorothy E. Dolloff Dec. 26, 1942. She died Feb. 20, 1978. He married Helen J. Walther in March 1979. She passed away July 18, 2006.

He was employed in Syracuse, N.Y., and Springfield, Vt. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in October 1943 and was honorably discharged March 1946.

He was employed at Livermore Falls Trust for 36 1/2 years, retiring in May 1983 as vice president and trust officer.

He was a member of the Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church, having served in a number of offices over the years.

He was member and past commander of George Buntin Post 10 American Legion, member and past secretary of Oriental Star Lodge 21 AF & AM, served as trustee of Franklin Memorial Hospital, served as the first chairman of SAD 36, past president of Androscoggin Chapter American Institute of Banking and director of Community Emergency Services.

He enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his daughters, Karon Breton and her husband, Gaetan, of Lewiston, and Cindy Parker and her husband, Alan, of Del Rio, Texas; his sister, Martha C. Goodwin of Auburn; stepdaughter, Carol Stinchfield and husband, William, of Bangor; four grandchildren, Gaetan Breton Jr., Charlene Breton, Darcy Bundren and Brent Parker; three great-grandchildren; numerous stepgrandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Florence Merrill, Carol Hamel and George Merkle.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.