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Adapted from the Delaware State News
Dover, DE
Paul Earl Merkel, 88, of Dover, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, in Kent General Hospital, Dover.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1921, in Reading, Pa., son of the late Frederick and Winona (Herflicker) Merkel.
Paul served his country proudly in the 8th U.S. Air Force during World War II. He then continued service with the Air Force Reserves retiring with the rank of SMSGT.
He most recently retired from Dover Air Force Base Civil Service where he worked with Ground Power Equipment Services.
Paul had a great love for music and was an accomplished saxophone player. He played for many bands, including the Bob Wagner Orchestra and the Milford Community Band.
He was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church, Dover.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Miriam, and two siblings.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Gladys Merkel; five children, Catherine Phelps and her husband Glenn of Flagstaff, Ariz., Winona Crist and her husband Jonathan of Elizabethtown, Pa., James T. O'Brien and his wife Theo of Camden, Peggy O'Brien and her husband Jim Ralph of Magnolia, and Michael O'Brien and his wife Christine of Walkersville, Md.; seven grandchildren, Katherine, Brian, Matthew, Andrew, Timothy, James, and Kevin; and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be noon, Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Grace Presbyterian Church, 350 McKee Rd., Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier. Burial with full military honors will follow at Sharon Hills/Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901; or Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Rd., Milford, DE 19963.
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