MERLE GEORGE WILLARD
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. and DEXTER - Merle G. Willard, 49, died unexpect-edly Monday, April 18, 2005, at his home in California. He was born March 12, 1956, in Dexter, the only son of Yvonne (Pooler) and George Willard. He attended Dexter schools, graduating from Dexter High School, Class of 1974. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer for 16 years as a gas turbine specialist. He most recently worked as a jet engine specialist for Rolls Royce in Oakland, Calif.

Merle is survived by his daughter, Jessica Willard and son, Christopher Willard of San Diego, Calif.; his father, George Willard of Dexter; sisters, Carol Sherburne and her husband, Fred, of Dexter and Marcia Fogler and her husband, Robert, of Exeter; nieces, Erin Sherburne of Beverly, Mass., Cari Lyford and her husband, Chris, of Scarborough and Liza Rienhardt and her husband Brian, of Exeter; and nephew, Travis Fogler and his wife, Kate, of Exeter. He is also survived by his former wife, Carol Willard and his sister-in-law, Lynn Clayville of San Diego, Calif. He was predeceased in 1991 by his mother, Yvonne Willard. Merle will be remembered by numerous loved ones and many friends.

A funeral service and interment will be held in early May in San Diego, Calif., at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the First Baptist Church, corner of Main and Free Streets in Dexter, with the Rev. Kevin Holsapple officiating. A time of refreshments and remembrance will follow the service. Donations in Merle's memory can be made to the Dexter Historical Society, P.O. Box 481, Dexter, ME 04930.