Merrell W. Clarke

Merrell W. Clarke, 78, of Sanford, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the H.D. Goodall Hospital. He was born in Sanford on June 16, 1933. He graduated from Sanford High School.He retired from Wasco Products after many years of service. An avid golfer, he enjoyed his early morning games. He loved to entertain his grandchildren at Loon Pond. He will be remembered for his generosity and helping friends, family and neighbors in their time of need. He is predeceased by his wife, Jean (Hall) Clarke who passed away in 2004, and a daughter, Cheryl A Bissell who passed away in 1998.Survivors include his son, Merrell N. "Butch" Clarke and his wife, Karen of Springvale, daughter, Pamela Carlton and her husband, Russ of Michigan, six grandchildren and one great grandchild, brothers, Glendon Clarke of Sanford, James Clarke of Sanford and twin brother, Derrell Clarke of Florida. He is also survived by a special friend, Beverly Smith. He will be missed by his Bridge card playing friends at the Trafton Center.Visiting hours for Mr. Clarke will be on Friday, August 12 from 4 to 7PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10AM.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in his memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 170 US Rte 1, Suite 200, Falmouth, ME 04105.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com