Millen, Merle Woods Merle Woods Millen, 85, of El Cajon, passed away on July 9, 2010 at the Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 30, 1925. Merle was raised by his mother and stepfather Eva and Jess Butler. He joined the Navy at age 17 during World War II. Merle and his family moved several times during his naval career, finally settling in Spring Valley, CA. Merle retired after 30 years in the Navy/Naval Reserve as a Petty Officer 1st Class. He worked at North Island Naval Station as a logistics analyst after his Navy career. Merle said "he knew helicopters." He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling in his motorhome, golf, bowling, shuffleboard and played a serious game of Uno. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 35 years, Charlene Millen. Merle was lucky to find love a second time and was preceded in death by Betty Millen. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Michele and Cahil Quirk, his son and daughter-in-law Rick and Tammy Millen of Centennial, CO, his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Jodie Millen of Lemon Grove, CA; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey and Brian Bush, Jessica, Eric, Melissa, Amber and Julie Millen, and two great-grandchildren, Marissa and Kya. Merle had a wonderful sense of humor and will be dearly missed. The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate and caring staff at the Veterans Home. A Memorial Service will be held at the Veterans Home in Chula Vista at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 26th. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any donations be made to the Veterans Home, 700 East Naples Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on July 21, 2010