Age 86
Merle was born to Verle and Julia Mapes in 1932 in Seattle, WA. He grew up in Anacortes WA and enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. He met his wife Lauralee of 64 years while serving at Fairchild Air Force Base. They married in 1954 in Spokane and together they had 5 children; Vickie, John (deceased), Daryl, Connie (deceased) and Jerry (Amy), 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
After his time in the Air Force, he began a 35 year career at Long Lake Lumber Company as a Sales Manager. He retired in 1994 and enjoyed his retirement with his family. One of Merle's fondest memories as a teenager was playing basketball with his beloved Anacortes Blackhawks Team. He also loved football and was a track star in high school. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Alzheimers Association. A committal service will be held Friday November 9, 2018, 2:00pm at the Washington Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.
