Merlin Henry Hammell, 87, of Trumann died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at his home.

Born in Lilbourn, Mo., he had resided in Trumann for 58 years and owned Hammell's Grocery Store. A U.S. Army and Navy veteran during World War II, he was historian of the Trumann American Legion post, a former member of the Trumann City Council and of the Baptist belief.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Hammell of Memphis and Rita Hammell Baine of Lake City; one son, Stephen Hammell of Trumann; one sister, Katherine James of Trumann; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Lee Hammell.

Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home at Trumann with the Rev. Frank Bufford officiating.

Burial followed in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Active pallbearers included Bill Teague, Eldon Gartman, Bill Cook, Melton Byerly, Beau Ballard, Kelley Hammonds, Perry Sims and Norman Francis.

Honorary pallbearers included L.B. Baker, Ronnie Grimes, Avondale Williams, Bruce Cuddy, Ivan Hammell and Kelly Webb.