WILMINGTON — Gary Palmer Merkle passed on to his heavenly reward at 7:00 a.m. Sunday, November 24, 2024. His wife, Dawn, held his hand as he moved on to his next gig, the leader of one of Heaven’s bands. Born on July 29, 1950, in Lynn, MA, his birth and death dates don’t matter as much as the dash between those dates.
He lived a robust life and was loved by all he met. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy on the USS Kitty Hawk and spent 8 years as a New York City fire fighter, driving truck the last two years of his service. He repelled off high rises while supervising paint and repair crews in another role and held a wide variety of jobs in between. He wrapped his career as Head Custodian at North Brunswick High School.
A talented singer-songwriter, he performed locally as Featherstone, with his son and daughter-in-law, back in the day. He was quick to break out a guitar and perform old favorites and his originals at parties and family gatherings. Watching him, his son, and his grandsons play together was truly special. Recently, he wrote Christian music and contributed to several area praise and worship teams.
He shared a close and beautiful relationship with his two grown children and was privileged to watch his five grandchildren become successful young adults. They all treasure memories of the fun he added to their lives.
His love of music and family was only surpassed by his love of God. He awoke early every day for 2640 consecutive days to listen to his devotional and spend time with God. He had a deep faith, he willingly and frequently shared.
Gary was predeceased by his parents Francis Charles Merkle and Wilda Frances Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Dawn Bugni, his dear children and grandchildren Christopher James Merkle (Rebecca) and sons, Noah and Parker and Kellie Jean Wells (Matthew), sons Slate and Devin, and daughter Mollie, CJ and Kellie’s mother, Jackie Johnson-Brady, beloved brother Dan Barnes (Nancy), and sisters Peggy Olsen (Dale), Debbi Behrens (Jeff), and Ellen LaRoche and countless extended adoptive and birth family members.
Godspeed, Gary. You are loved.
