Family and friends lost one of "Rochester's Finest" on Sunday, October 12, 2014.  Merlin C. Mewhorter Jr., 87, passed away at Madonna Towers where he had resided.

Merlin was born to Merlin Sr. and Irene (Courtney) Mewhorter on June 7, 1927 in Rochester, Minnesota.

He served in the United States Navy from February 8, 1945 to July 23, 1946.  He graduated from Rochester High School in 1947.  Merlin became an officer for the Rochester Police Department on November 19, 1956 and retired on January 31, 1987.  He then began driving for Prisoner Transporting from September 1993 to March 2005.  He also did part-time work for Rochester City Delivery and Macken Funeral Home in his younger years.

Merle was proud to be a member of the Rochester Police Department and loved his job immensely.  His father Merlin Sr. and brother Henry were also Police Department officers.  There was never any lack of "Cop Talk" around the dinner table!  Merle was a kind and generous man, devoting his life to his family, friends and job. He touched the lives of so many and will be sadly missed by all.

Merlin married the love of his life, Marjorie Soufal on November 10, 1951.  She was employed at Mayo Clinic Pathology Lab.  Marge passed away on May 20, 2014.

Merlin is survived by his four children, Julie Priebe, Jennifer (Brad) Mewhorter-Button, Joseph (Linda) Mewhorter and Jessica (Kevin) Hewlett; 11 grandchildren, Patrick (Lisa) Priebe, Michael (Jess) Priebe and Molly (Brandon) Matusiewicz, Anna and Lainey Mewhorter-Button, Matthew, Ryan and Laura Mewhorter, and Heather, Michael and Andrew Hewlett; six great grandchildren, Ryan and Morgan Priebe, Michael and Madilynn Jereczek-Priebe of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Sean Priebe and Tula Ann Matusiewicz; brother and sister-in-law Henry and Kathryn Mewhorter; sister, Florence (Jim) Ruble of Blaine, MN; and sister-in-law Nadine Mewhorter.  He is also survived by his four-legged pal, Pookey Jones.

Merlin was preceded in death by his wife Marge, two infant sons, his parents, and brothers Dwaine and Eugene.

A memorial Mass for Merlin will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating.  Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post 92 at the church following Mass. In addition, Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff's Department will provide an honor guard at the funeral home and church.

The Mewhorter family would like to thank Madonna Towers and Mayo Hospice for the wonderful care that was given to Merlin.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com