LEE – Charles Elmer Merrill, 76, passed away July 14, 2004, in Lincoln. He was the son of the late Charles Willard Merrill and Mattie Leila (Cobb) Merrill of Lee. Mr. Merrill was a graduate of Lee Academy and Beal College, and was a long time resident of New York City prior to moving back to Maine in the late 1980s. While in New York City he was a sales representative and color consultant for a major textile manufacturing company. He also had a career as an actor and variety entertainer performing in more than 27 different countries throughout the world. He entertained the Royal Family of Monaco (the late Princess Grace) just prior to her untimely death in the 1980s. Early in his career he appeared throughout the Eastern United States and Canada as “Professor DeVonne” and “DeVonne the Deceptionist.” In later years, he used his own name in magic performances. Mr. Merrill was also a talented keyboard artist, playing piano and solovoy with local bands and orchestras in his early years. But it is for his magic performances he is most remembered. He was an honorary lifetime member of the International Magician’s Society, and a past member of the Maine Magician’s Society. Mr. Merrill is survived by his mother, Mattie (Cobb) Merrill, of Lee; a sister, Roberta Williams-Bell, of Brentwood Texas; several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Carlene Merrill Goodwin. At his request, funeral services will be private for the family. A service of Memorial Alternatives, 1225 Broadway, Bangor.
CHARLES ELMER MERRILL
