Merrill Lovelace — Rochester

A memorial gathering for Merrill David Lovelace will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, with a reception to follow at noon.

Mr. Lovelace, 78, of Rochester, died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Merrill was born on Sept. 28, 1936, in Rochester, to Ivan and Julia (Bolles) Lovelace. On Feb. 14, 1986, he married Joan Rushton, and she survives. He and Joan enjoyed going to plays, traveling and spending time together for the last 29 years.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; four children, Bruce, Merale, Tamra and Dusty; siblings, Lee (Patricia) Lovelace, Lowell (Margene) Lovelace, Laurie Donaldson, Penny (Dale) Radke, Larry (Maxine) Vandewalker and Stanley Vandewalker; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three children, Ranay Bamlet, Gregory Lovelace and Lucinda Irish; siblings, Ron Lovelace, Eugene Cayler and Dale Vanderwalker.

Merrill grew up in the Rochester area and was a self-employed carpenter. One of the things he enjoyed most was being a clown in parades. He also enjoyed his daily breakfast and coffee with his buddies at Grandma's Kitchen, and his weekly breakfast with his granddaughter, Bandi. Caylee and Aunya will miss spending time with their great-grandpa.

Merrill's wishes were to be cremated, and a private family burial will take place at a later date.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.