William "Bill" Rogers MERKLE February 8, 1914 - July 2, 2005 Bill Merkle passed on to a Better Place, July 2, 2005 at the Skagit Valley Hospital, Mt. Vernon WA., at the age of 91 years. He was born on February 8, 1914 in Windsor MO. to Ed and Ida Merkle, the second of three sons. Bill's Mother Ida passed away in the Flu Epidemic of 1918. Later Ed married Florence and Bill's four Sisters were born. When the depression hit, the family moved to Hobart, OK. where Bill finished high school, still excelling in sports which earned him a scholarship at Cameron College in Lawton, OK. In the early 30's Bill moved to Oakland, CA., where he played both Semi-Pro Baseball and Basketball. During the war Bill worked up to 80 hours a week as a journeyman machinist at North American Rockwell building aircraft for the War. He was then transferred to Dallas, Texas where he met the love of his life; Sara Leigh Fleming. When the war ended Bill signed a contract with the Triple A Baseball Dallas Eagles for $400 a month. Sara and Bill were married on May 4th, 1946 in Sara's home town of Monroe, LA. They moved back to Lubbock, TX. where Bill played out the year. During the next three years Bill and Sara lived in Abernathy where they bought their first home . Bill taught High School and coached in the winter and played ball in the spring and summer. Then they moved back to Dallas where Bill began his long career with Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. selling air based equipment, machinery and drilling equipment. He was transferred to Abilene, TX., then to Chicago, IL. before transferring to Mercer Island, WA . He was Division Manager for the Northwestern States just in time for the Alaska Pipeline Rush! Bill was very successful for Chicago Pneumatic and increased the business done in this area over 2000% during his tenure. Bill retired at the age of 57 years to La Conner WA. where he and Sara built a home at Shelter Bay and cruised many happy years together on their boat, the beloved Lone Star. They resided there until his death, and Sara plans to continue her life in the Skagit Valley they loved so much. Bill was a member of the Original Lions Club in Dallas, Mercerwood Shoreclub, and of the Medeynbauer Bay Yacht Club where he served on the Board. He was also a Charter Member and one of the founders of the Southcenter Rotary Club at Tukwilla.Bill is survived by his loving wife Sara of Shelter Bay, Sons: Jim and wife Letha, Billy and wife Norma, and Mark; grandsons Roger and wife Nora, Greg and granddaughter Marsa and husband Jason Snow, five great grandchildren and two great-great grand children, four sisters Martha, Molly, Mary and Vicky. Bill was preceded in death by his two brothers Jess and Bud, and granddaughter Lisa. A Memorial Service will be held at the LaConner United Methodist Church on July 30, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the Family asks that donations be made to the "William R. Merkle Memorial Fund" at the Bank of America. Please share your thoughts at our on line guest book at: www.hawthornefuneralhm.com. Published in print on 7/13/2005. Seattle Times