Valley Falls- Merrel Donald Allen, Jr. (82) Merrel Allen, 82 of Tomhannock, NY passed away at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, surrounded by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dorothy (VanWie), and their four sons. Merrel is survived by his wife and children: Clifford (Nanci) of Wynanskill, NY; Dale (late Jodi Slick) of Hoosick Falls, NY; Michael (Diane) of Schenectady, NY; and Randy (Terri) of Johnsonville, NY. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother, Jim Allen of Fort Walton Beach, FL. Merrel retired from Ford Motor Company in 1986 after 31 years. Merrel was a member of the National Guard and past lay leader of the Tomhannock Methodist Church. He joined the Masons in 1989 and then the Shriners in 1990 and he enjoyed the fundraising events he and his wife participated in at numerous lodges in the Capital District. During his retirement, Merrel worked in his woodshop making birdhouses and birdfeeders and he enjoyed sorting aluminum can pull tabs and donating the proceeds to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Merrel was a kind hearted soul who was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
Calling Hours will be held at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, 16 State St, Valley Falls, NY 12185, on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The service will be held the following morning at Church at 10:00 am, with the burial to follow at the Tomhannock Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.