Merle David Hanson, age 81, of King City, Oregon passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Merle was born October 10, 1939 to Clarence Oscar and Evelyn Marie Hanson in Waterville, Washington. The Hanson’s moved to St. Johns with Merle and his older brother Warren when Merle was about two years old and that is where Merle laid his roots. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957 where he was a member of the Accordion Club, and from there he enlisted in the United States Army where he spent his free time boxing. After the army, he finished his associate’s degree in journalism at Clark College.
In November of 1961 Merle married Evie Seifert and had his first children Tammy and Duane. Years later Merle married a second time to the love of his life, Carolyn Kaye, who knocked on his door one fateful day selling Avon products. Merle's family grew larger with their marriage as he now had three more children, Linda, Doug, Kim, and he and Kaye had their son David together. Merle and Carolyn celebrated their 50th anniversary June of 2021.
Throughout his life, Merle worked several jobs, from being a bank teller to truck driving, he worked 17 years as a shareholder at Multnomah Plywood and eventually retired after 10 years at Tri-Met in maintenance.. However, Merle was always happiest when he was working on a car. He spent his life buying, selling, and refurbishing classic cars. He had a special love of classic Chevrolets and was especially proud of his 1967 Camaro.
Merle retired at the age of 64, and he and Carolyn took to the road in their motorhome. They traveled the US with their dear canine companion Blossom, the west highland terrier, for about 10 years before making a second home in Indio, California.
Merle is dearly missed and survived by his wife, Carolyn Hanson; his children Tammy, Duane, David, Linda, Doug and Kim; his brother Warren; his 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.org for the Hanson family.
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