Jim Lacy Merkel

LLANO, TX – Jim Lacy Merke, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 11, 2008, after a 15 year battle with prostate cancer and later acute leukemia. He was born on April 14, 1928, in Llano, Texas, the son of Fritz and Hariet Ratliff Merkel.     Jim entered the army at age 17 in 1946, and in 1947, when it branched off he went with the Air Force. He was active duty for 6 1/2 years, serving part of his career overseas in Korea during the Korean War. He later came to Presque Isle Air Base where he met his future wife, Elizabeth Graves. They were married on November 10, 1954, in a double wedding along with Elizabeth’s sister, Sara Ann and Larry Smith. He stayed with the reserves after leaving active duty and retired as a Master Sergeant after 23 years. He worked for Maine Public Service for a short while before going to work for A T & T telephone company, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring in December 1984. After his wife retired in 1989, they spent their summers at their home in Mars Hill, and their winters starting out in Tuscon, Arizona and in later years in San Antonio, Texas.
    He was a member of the United Baptist Church in Mars Hill for over 50 years where he was a Sunday school  teacher, leader in the Boys Brigade for many years, as well as an usher. He was also very faithful in visitng the elderly in the nursing  home. While in San Antonio, he attended Valley Hi Baptist Church and was a member of the XYZ Club.
    He loved his garden and his yard. Most summer days, you would find Jim either out working in his garden, both vegetable and flowers or mowing his lawn. He was very particular with his lawn and took great pride in his yard and his flower garden. he especially loved going to “Merkel Ranch” in Mason, Texas, with his sons and grandsons.
    He is survivied and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth G. Merkel; three children, son, Pastor James F. Merkel and his wife Robin of Maxton, North Carolina; daughter, Susan A. Anderson and her husband Gordon of Mars Hill; and son, Harold S. Merkel and his wife Kara of Houston, Texas. He also has nine grandchildren, Lauren, Isaac, Zachary, and Hannah Merkel of North Carolina; Jordan and Daniel Anderson of Portland, Maine; Lacy Anderson and her fiancé Spencer Caron of Fort Kent; and Austin and Victoria Merkel of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by a brother, Carol Merkel of Leander, Texas; sisters, Lorene Gavit of Seguin, Texas, Della Grizzell of Hobbs, New Mexico, Mary Reed and Patricia (Bobbie) Ratliff of Llano, Texas. He also leave behind many nieces & nephews as well as sister and brother-in-laws David and France McKay, Carl and Joyce Stearns, George (Bud) and Norma Graves and Larry and Ann Smith. He will also be missed by a very special friend Tsgt. Johnne Bork, from San Antonio, who is stationed in the Air Force, and is like an adoptive grandson to both Jim and Elizabeth. He is predeceased by his parents Fritz and Harriet Merkel; sisters, Polly Bruce, Lou-Ethel, Shaheen, and brother, Billy Merkel and in-laws, John and Viva Graves.
    The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Ramanini and the staff at the oncology office at TAMC. Dr. Hanf, who looked after Jim while he was in the hospital, even coming in on his days off to see him. The family also appreciates the many visits by Dr. Nicholas, and the wonderful care from the hospice program.
    Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at Duncan Funeral Home in Mars Hill and the funeral, Monday at 2 p.m. at the United Baptist Church, Mars Hill with the Rev. James Merkel officiating. Those who wish may make donations in Jim’s memory to the United Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 382, Mars Hill, Maine 04758.