Merle Donald Candler

Merle Candler, age 84, of Bellingham passed away peacefully on January 27, 2014. He was born November 5, 1929 in Spokane, WA to Carl and Lillian Candler. Merle grew up in Tacoma, WA. He enjoyed climbing mountains, skiing, fishing and he was very active with youth leadership throughout his life. He was married on August 7, 1952 to Jean Payne. Following Jean’s death, he married Doris Wilson Candler on November 23, 2002, and they had 11 wonderful years together. Merle worked as a Records Management Supervisor for Boeing for most of his career. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Bellingham Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Merle enlisted in the Army in 1948 and served in Korea as a Corporal in Medical Detachment 532, where he was stationed on the hospital ship Consolation. In an early letter home, Merle wrote: “I first landed in Korea last September with the Inchon invasion. Then I went to Iwon for a smaller invasion, then to Hungnam, where we evacuated the casualties. In February we came back to Inchon and have been here ever since.“ Later, Merle wrote: “Winter isn’t over yet, but quarters are warm in Inchon. It’s the little kids that get you when you go out. … Yesterday, a little lad of about 7 came up and said hello.” Merle proceeded to “adopt” little Jimmie, and take care of him until he returned to Tacoma.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife Jean. He is survived by his wife Doris Wilson Candler, his older brother Clair Candler of Port Townsend, WA, and his seven children, David Candler, Linda Candler, Kathy Bottomley, Candace Henry, Lorna Bower, Janet Arntzen, and Judith Werner, along with their spouses. Merle is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many loving relatives and friends. A celebration of Merle’s life will be held at the Bellingham Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 910 N. Forest St in Bellingham at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 8th. A reception will follow. Memorials may be made to Maranatha, which builds schools and churches in developing countries at www.maranatha.org .
Merle received the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, United Nation Service Medal, Merit Unit Emblem, Army Occupation Medal of Japan, and Good Conduct Medal.