WALDOBORO — Merle Charles Gifford, 77, died July 14, 2013, at Maine General Hospital in Augusta. He was born April 11, 1936, in Damariscotta to Charles and Mabel Carter Gifford. Merle grew up on Loud's Island and attended school on the island.

He started working as a fisherman. He later worked as a laborer for Bath Iron Works, Waldoboro Button Factory and Friendship Trap Company until he retired. He and his wife, Judy, also managed the Waldoboro Laundrymat for 29 years. He was a member of the Odd Fellows.

Merle enjoyed hunting, carpentry and working with his hands. He loved clamming, fishing and especially walking around town. He also enjoyed gardening and sitting with Merritt Collamore on the corner in downtown Waldoboro. He loved his dogs, which were very important to him. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Joseph Gifford; and his half-sister, Charlena Haskell.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Gifford of Waldoboro; his daughter, Victoria Russell and her husband, Darren, of Winthrop; his sons, Mark Gifford and his wife, Marie, of Waldoboro, and William Gifford of Waterboro; his step-son, Murray Benner and his wife, Wendy, of Waldoboro; his half-brother, Steve Carter of Bath; his sister-in-law, Terry Gifford of Waldoboro; his daughters from a previous marriage, Pam and Debbie; his sister, Nellie Leeman of Damariscotta; his grandchildren, Dustin Seymour of Vermont, C.J. Benner of Waldoboro, A.J. Benner of Friendship, Shelbea Benner of Waldoboro, Dawn Gifford of Waterboro and Joshua Dyer of Waldoboro; and several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service to celebrate Merle's life will be held Friday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond. The Rev. Tom Rawley will officiate.

Should friends desire, contributions in Merle's memory may be made to the Animal Shelter of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waldoboro. Condolences can be shared with the family by visiting their book of memories online at Hall Funeral Home.