Obituary of Mervin Ray Whipple

Mervin Ray Whipple, 81, of Pineville Road, Dayville, CT, died Saturday at the Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Fournier) Whipple, they were married November 22, 1973. He was born September 29, 1928 in the Ballouville section of Killingly, son of the late Ray and Amy (Chase) Whipple. He was the owner and operator of Everlasting Memorials in Dayville he started fifty years ago. Mervin served over fifty years as sexton of Killingly's Cemeteries: Westfield, Bartlett, High Street, South Killingly, and cared for the Holy Cross and ST Joseph Cemeteries. Mervin was a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Killingly, and performed over 3000 wedding ceremonies, most of them at "Whipple's Chapel". He was active for many years in the affairs of the Town of Killingly, and a former chairman of the Parks and Recreation. Mervin was best known as "Mr. Christmas", for over thirty years, every Christmas season he set up his "Christmas Wonderland" at his home in Ballouville, and would take pride in greeting each guest. He was a fifty years member of the Moriah Lodge A.F. & A.M. and he also served with the Connecticut National Guard. He leaves his wife Barbara, his step daughter: Kimberly Chipman of Brooklyn, CT; a step daughter from a previous marriage: Barbara Salinger of Union, CT; two nephews: Linden Whipple of Putnam; James Watson of Hubbardston, MA; He was predeceased by a brother and a sister: Ray Whipple; Bertha Watson. The Funeral Service will be Friday at 11:00 AM at the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, CT. Calling Hours will be Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial in Westfield Cemetery, Danielson. Donations may be made in Mervin's memory to the Westfield Cemetery Association, PO Box 296, Danielson, CT 06239. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com