Merle Claire Benge

Long Beach resident Merle C. Benge, 78, died in Ilwaco on June 25, 2010. Born in Los Angeles, California on January 8, 1932 he was the son of Frank and Anne (Mattis) Benge. Merle grew up in Los Angeles where he received his education and at age 17 joined the United States Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Essex until honorably discharged in 1953. Following his military service Merle settled in the Portland area. He was employed as a welder for the United States government and also for Siemens Corporation until retirement. He moved to the Peninsula 15 years ago. Merle was active locally as a member of Ocean Park Moose, Beach Barons Car Club and as a member of US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla No. 62. He also enjoyed reading and fishing. He and Evelyn Braithwait were married in 1951. She survives residing in Long Beach. Also surviving are daughter Wendy of Ocean Park; daughter Linda and her husband Don of Beaverton, OR; son Jim and wife Linda of Hillsboro, OR; son Norman and wife Terri of Portland; 8 grandchildren7 great-grandchildren; and numerous other members of his extended family. Merle had requested no service be held. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.