A memorial gathering for Merrill David Lovelace will be at 11:00AM, Monday August 31, 2015 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with a reception to follow at 12:00 noon.

Mr. Lovelace, 78, of Rochester, died Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Merrill was born on September 28, 1936 in Rochester to Ivan and Julia (Bolles) Lovelace.  On February 14, 1986, he married Joan Rushton and she survives. He and Joan enjoyed going to plays, traveling, and spending time together for the last 29 years.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; 4 children, Bruce, Merale, Tamra and Dusty; siblings, Lee (Patricia) Lovelace, Lowell (Margene) Lovelace, Laurie Donaldson, Penny (Dale) Radke, Larry (Maxine) Vandewalker, Stanley Vandewalker; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by three children, Ranay Bamlet, Gregory Lovelace and Lucinda Irish; siblings, Ron Lovelace, Eugene Cayler and Dale Vanderwalker.

Merrill grew up in the Rochester area and was a self employed carpenter.  One of the things he enjoyed most was being a clown in parades.  He also enjoyed his daily breakfast and coffee with his buddies at Grandma's Kitchen and his weekly breakfast with his granddaughter Bandi.  Caylee and Aunya will miss spending time with their Great-Grandpa.

Merrill's wishes were to be cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date.