To the Editor:

I would like to take time to thank all who helped to make the funeral service for Joe Merli the wonderful event that it was.  The weather was perfect and the attendance was huge.

The very long procession from the funeral home to the cemetery was even interrupted by a train passing through Delanson.  It has been suggested that Joe may have arranged that.

Every available space for cars at the cemetery was taken.  It was a great tribute to Joe who always said, “I would rather have friends at my funeral than money in the bank.”

Well, he certainly realized that goal.  It is humbling to see how well loved Joe was by so many people.  The tributes spoken at the service were lovely.

I am indebted to many people for all their help and support in organizing the day, especially the Stewart family, Dan, Ginny, Greg, and Kevin, for all their effort to organize the antique car folks, the food for the gathering at the shop, and many other details. I also thank the folks who have been keeping things going at the shop, Pat Payst, Rick Canastra, and Betty Powers; again, without them I would be lost.

The final closing act was the release of balloons in honor of our love for Joe and they went soaring high into the heavens, as has Joe’s spirit, out of our sight, but never out of our hearts and minds.

Marilyn Miles

Clarksville