This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: AMHhenley Surnames: Merrill, Perry, Johnson Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.idaho.counties.franklin/2127/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Logan Herald Journal, 08/03/07 Clarence Perry Merrill was born May 3, 1922, in Grace, Idaho, to Austin T. and Alice Perry Merrill. He was the second-oldest of eight children: Keith, Clarence, Maurice (Reese), Erma, Burdene (Bud), Dorothy, Geraldine and Sarah Jane (Sally). He was raised in Preston, graduating from Preston High School in 1940. After graduation he entered the United States Coast Guard, serving during World War II for 41/2 years. One night, while walking with some buddies from the Coast Guard on the pier of Coney Island they heard someone calling for help. Clarence said that someone had better go in to help. His buddies agreed, laughed and pushed him in. This is how Clarence became a hero, even though it was reluctantly. He returned to Preston after the war where he met Velda Johnson at the Persiana Dance Hall. They were married in April 1946. Together they had 11 beautiful children, four of whom preceded him in death. Clarence worked at the Preston City Cemetery, Kennicott Copper and held va! rious construction jobs to support his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, which was one of the reasons that he wanted to raise his family in Preston. One of the family's favorite stories of Clarence's hunting proficiencies was his duck hunting adventure on the West Cache Canal. As it was, his favorite method of hunting was from the road. He would drive up and down the road looking in the canal for ducks. The thrill of the hunt got the better of him and as he was driving over a bridge he was not paying close enough attention and his '55 Chevy Belair went over the side and into the water, shocking him and scaring whatever ducks might have been around! Clarence passed away July 24, 2007. He is survived in death by his wife, Velda; his children, Greg, Brad, Christy, LouAnn, Todd, Rick and Sherri. He has 28 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He was buried in the Preston Cemetery. Published in the Logan Herald Journal from 8/2/2007 - 8/12/2007. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.