Merle “Stocky” Stockwell, 94, of John Day, passed away Dec. 13 at the Blue Mountain Hospital.

Merle Alvin “Stocky” Stockwell was born Aug. 19, 1921, to Horace Eugene Stockwell and Audra Elizabeth Hood Lusk in Corvallis. He attended Seneca Elementary School in Seneca, and Grant Union High School in John Day. He then spent four years in the military as a Merchant Marine. In 1942, he married Annabelle Cummins, and later divorced in 1955. Then in 1958, he married Lois Zierer; Lois passed away in 1989. He spent his career working as a timber faller and heavy equipment operator for Edward Hines Lumber Company, retiring after 25 years.

He enjoyed the true Grant County lifestyle of fishing, hunting, and camping with friends and family. He was a member of the Burns and John Day Elks Lodges and the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Canyon City.

He is survived by his daughter, Joy Lyons Hoff of Wilsonville; son, Steve Stockwell of Vancouver, Wash.; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Stockwell; and son, Kelley Stockwell.

A graveside service was held Dec. 17 at the St. Andrews Cemetery in Canyon City; a reception followed the service at the Snaffle Bit Dinner House.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Seneca School Foundation or the Blue Mountain Hospital Foundation through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd. John Day, OR 97845.