Obituary of Merle J. VanDresar

Merle VanDresar, 76, of Westernville, NY went to his final resting place on August 7, 2011. Born August 10, 1934, the second of three sons to the late Harold and Ruth (Evans) VanDresar. He graduated from Holland Patent Central School in 1952. He married Dolores Yousey on May 12, 1956. They raised six children together on their farm … until the kids were old enough to care for themselves … and then they decided to part company. Merle retired from Revere Copper and Brass in 1994. Born and raised on a farm, he then returned to his tractor-work and loved to brush hog for whoever needed it. He enjoyed his two hats (like the one in the photo)… the worn out one was for work … and the newer one he called his "no work hat". It wasn't unusual for him to stop by in his work hat, but if he showed up in his "no work" hat he was there to visit. Dad was predeceased by his youngest brother and travelling partner, Clyde, whom he missed terribly and we know is now enjoying again; and his youngest son, Keith, whom he is now able to hug again. Merle is survived by five of his children and their families: Geraldine and Stuart Gates, Dawn and Doug Holmes, Tami and Gary Dunnigan, Kenneth and Rita VanDresar, Teri and Mike Mustard and daughter-in-law Jeanine; his oldest brother, Harold (and his wife Esther) VanDresar. He enjoyed all of his 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and has many nieces and nephews who were very special to him. Despite the end of their marriage, we are grateful that Dad continued to enjoy his relationships with Mom and her family. We especially want to say thanks to Art and Tess, Ken and Fran, John and Jan, Jay and Fran, Murlie, and the gang on the farm (Effie, Jimmy, Jay and Judy). We owe a great big thank you and many hugs to all his wonderful friends who helped us these past few years. Thank you to Dr. Breslow for his special rapport with Dad and the staff at Loretto Utica Center for their outstanding love and care for our father. Dad didn't want sadness following his death. He asked for a celebration instead of a wake … where his friends and family could "send the old man off with another good laugh." Hence the gathering on what would have been his 77th birthday. All who knew him knew his jeans and plaid shirt were as much a part of him as his hat. In a true Merle-ism … hating wakes and dressing for them even more … we're gathering to celebrate in denim. Hats optional … but if you like to wear one… make it a "no work hat". The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Relative and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 3 to 6 PM prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com