MERLE P. SANDERSON

Former Palmer resident, Merle P. Sanderson, 83, died Friday, May 16, 2003, at Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro, Ore. Private interment was held at the Mt. View memorial Gardens in Forest Grove. Ore.

Mr. Sanderson was born to Harl and Edith (Seppi) Sanderson on Jan. 26, 1920, in Peoria, Ariz. He was raised and received his education in Whittier, Calif. He was a veteran of World War II, and served in the United States Air Force as a navigator. He married Geraldine Lenhart on June 15, 1946, in Vancouver, Wash. Following their marriage they made their home in Forest Grove until 1969 when they moved to Palmer. They lived in Palmer until returning to Forest Grove in 1993.

While living in Alaska, Mr. Sanderson worked for several years as a mail carrier and later for the State of Alaska as an office manager in the employment department until he retired.

Among his interests, he enjoyed fishing, camping and watching NFL football.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife Geraldine Sanderson of the family home in Forest Grove; son Gary Sanderson; four daughters, Debra Drake of Waelder, Texas; Pamela Shapiro of Forest Grove, Sylvia Santana and Cheryl Durand both of Portland, Ore.; three sisters, Lucille Brazo of Michigan; Vivian Oster and Ruby Thompson both of California; six grandchildren, Justin, Dustin, Joshuah, Castel, Lindsey and Marcella; a great-grandson, Kendal, a great-granddaughter, Elliana; and several nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that remembrances may be contributions to one's choice, in his memory.