Col. Clifford R. Merrill, Us Army Retired

Col. Clifford R. Merrill, US ARMY retired, took charge and passed away quietly June l7, at the VA Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyo. He was born May 2, 1914, in Springfield, Maine, where he grew up with his parents, seven sisters and four brothers. He served our country for 33 years in the US Army, including tours of duty in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During his tour in Vietnam he served as Provost Marshall of the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One". He received numerous honors and medals including Purple Hearts, The Bronze Star with Cluster and The Legion of Merit. Col. Merrill was also honored by the country of Poland and given their insignia ring and citizenship for his services after WWII with aiding 6000 Polish people back to their country. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner and a member of the Fort Collins local 804 Elks. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Janice; five daughters, Janet Lippus of Newport News, Va., Bette Tom Cullen of West Palm Beach, Fla., Barbara Rick Eager of Meggett, S.C., Frances Frank Rioz of Greeley, and Ann Merl Miller of Imperial, Neb. He is survived by his brothers, Ken Jeanne Merrill of Danielson, Conn., Rus Merrill of Fort Meyers, Fla., and his sisters, Gladys Leighton of Charlotte, N.C., and Noreen Elliott of Sun City Center, Fla., other family including Julie Griffen and Janie Sherman; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, Brothers of the 712 Tank Battalion, Brothers of the 1st Infantry Division and many sorrowing friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Torrey and Ada; brothers, Harry and Roderick; and his sisters, Dorothy, Louise, Lois, Evelyn, and Norma. Col. Clifford R. Merrill's final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Contributions may be made to Houston Shriners Hospital in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.