HOULTON and HAMPDEN – Merle Eugene Tyrrell, 83, formerly of Houlton, died Dec. 11, 2010, in Hampden. He was born Oct. 28, 1927, in Houlton, the son of Walter and Nellie (Ewings) Tyrrell Skofield. Merle was an avid reader and writer with many remarkable stories to tell about growing up in the “County,” his time in the Army and a life spent with his childhood sweetheart. He was a frequent contributor to Echoes magazine and his articles, as well as his personal letters to family members were often designed to subtly impart some of the wisdom he had garnered throughout the years. Merle worked for Almon H. Fogg Co. for more than 36 years before retiring in 1989 after a successful battle with cancer. Merle is survived by his daughter-in-law, Sheila Tyrrell of Orono; three grandchildren, Stephanie Shayne and her husband, Mike, of Hampden, Shelly Tennett and her husband, John, of Bangor and Shane Tyrrell and his wife, Teresa, of Stetson; and nine great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Matthew and Kiersten Shayne, all of Hampden, Callie, Trey and Alexander Tennett, all of Bangor, Zach Small of Stetson, Kacey and Kamryn Tyrrell of Stetson; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth (Varney) Tyrrell; three children, Stephen W. Tyrrell, Anne Tyrrell and Jane Tyrrell; and five brothers and sisters, Pearl Sennett, Velma “Babe” Boutilier, Harold Tyrrell, Harry Tyrrell and Thelma Tyrrell. The family thanks Correnia and the employees of Sisters of the Heart longterm care facility for their loving care during the last years of his life. Friends may call 10 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. Thursday at Dunn Funeral Home with the Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Gifts may be made in Merle’s memory to March of Dimes or Maine Alzheimer’s Association, care of Dunn Funeral Home 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.
MERLE E. TYRRELL
