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Ralph Merrill Obituary

Ralph Lucas Merrill 1925 - 2006 Ralph Lucas Merrill passed peacefully at home on August 26, 2006. He was born to Henry Baldwin Merrill and Doris Lucas Merrill on April 3, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI. In 1947, following WWII service as a naval officer, he received his BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue and his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Tech in 1950. He had a distinguished career with Douglas/McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corp, retiring in 1987. At Purdue in 1942, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Elizabeth Mueller. They married in 1947 and settled in Long Beach. In 1997, they celebrated their 50th anniversary on Maui with their family. Devoted members of St. Luke's Ev. Lutheran Church, R alph served in several leadership positions. Ralph's interests included hiking, traveling, sailing, photography, woodworking and flying. Ralph is survived by his brother, Richard Merrill (Shannon); daughter, Nancy Merrill; daughter, Susan Barnhill (Don); son, Thomas Merrill (Denise); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson. His wife, Lynn and sister, Phyllis preceded him in death. Services will be held at 2pm on Friday, September 15, 2006 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 5633 E Wardlow Rd. Long Beach, CA 90808. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Luke's Memorial Fund or the charity of your choice. Please sign the guest book at Presstelegram.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press-Telegram on Sep. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Merrill

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Kenneth Jessie (vons1638)

September 15, 2006

To Susan Barnhill and the family of Mr Merrill.

I just wanted to give you my deepest and most heart felt condolences on the lost of a person you all love so much and although this will not bring him your love one back may I give the comfront of knowing that we care.

Thu Garcia

September 13, 2006

To the family, my deepest condolence and may God bless his soul.

John Kirby

September 12, 2006

Ralph provided me with my first opportunity as an young engineer in 1954. I enjoyed working for and with him. He was a fine man and an excellent leader. Ralph will remain in my memory for years to come. Thank you Ralph

Bill Mutz

September 12, 2006

I worked with Ralph at McDonnell Douglas for many years and I will really miss him at our retirement lunches. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Darlena Taylor

September 10, 2006

I will remember Ralph as a supportive grandfather (to my nieces and nephews). I pray that God will give comfort to all who feel his loss.

Lillian Hocking

September 9, 2006

Ralph was the most intelligent man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a very dedicated man, a loving husband, father and grandfather with a very dry sense of humor. My last committee that I shared with Ralph was Finance. He was always concerned about the income and expenses at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

Tom & Linda Knauff

September 5, 2006

Thinking of you and sending sympathy and prayers at this time of loss.

Roslyn Bixby

September 5, 2006

With heartfelt sympathy, he will be missed by all who knew him. Roslyn Bixby, Bruce Bennett and Ryan Shubin

Bert & Corinne Silva

September 5, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Shirley Robertson

September 4, 2006

Thinking of you all. God's Blessings and comfort to the family. Have a safe trip home.

Art & Judy Barri

September 4, 2006

We had only one opportunity to meet Ralph here in Ferndale. Found him to be very warm and friendly with a good sense of humor. Our hearts and prayers are with Tom, Denise and the rest of the family as they say goodbye. Blessings.

Stephanie Merrill

September 4, 2006

Grandpa, I love and miss you...

Andre and Kelly Howard

September 4, 2006

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Merrill family. May the Lord bless and keep you all.

Ralph Lucas Merrill

September 3, 2006

Don Barnhill

September 3, 2006

Ralph will be greatly missed. He was a man of great integrity who loved and took care of his family. He set the example for all of us. I will never forget him.

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