Merlin Thomas Dumbrille

Merlin T. Dumbrille, 81, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully at his home around 5:00 am Friday, December 5, 2014. Merlin was born at his childhood home at 901 W. Seventh Street on July 22, 1933 to Leon, a local piano tuner and motion picture projectionist, and Wantena (Beaber) Dumbrille, LPN at Munson Hospital, the second of three children.

Delivering the Record-Eagle beginning in 1942, he moved up to mailroom by 1947. At Coddington Music he sold radios and records. By 1949, he was working at the Tra-Bay and State theaters as relief motion picture projectionist. Merlin attended Elmwood Grade School, Traverse City Junior and Senior High Schools, becoming a 1951 graduate, entering Northwestern Michigan College in 1951 with the inaugural class, graduating in 1953 with an Associate of Arts degree.

He married June (Richie) Dumbrille, daughter of Vernie and Rose Richie on August 28, 1954. He served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957, trained as a medic and worked in the Armed Forces Radio as well.

Merlin started working at WTCM in Traverse City in 1951, at the age of 17, until his retirement, outside of his years of military service, and retired in 2009. Though leaving the radio station after 58 years, he still co-hosted on The Ron Jolly Show every Friday for "Who Said That". He also did local news and weather at WPBN-TV Channel 7, during the 7:25 and 8:25 local news breaks on the Today show in the 1960s and early 70s Since the mid-60's he hosted WTCM's "Farm & Orchard Time", each weekday at 11:45 A.M., Merlin served as broadcast host for the DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade for 46 years on WTCM AM. In 1975, he began serving as the audio technician for the Sunday broadcast of Central United Methodist Church services each week. Merlin was a life member of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Traverse Bay, and had served as its president.

His progress in Masonry to becoming at 32nd Degree Mason, began in 1971 with the taking of the three degrees of the Blue Lodge at the Masonic Temple home to Traverse City Masonic Lodge No. 222. By 1973, he was elected Junior Deacon, followed by two years as Junior Warden prior to becoming the first Worshipful Master installed in the new Temple building on West Bay Shore Drive in 1978, serving as Chaplain since 1983. Serving as a member of the Historical Committee and one time President of the Masonic Building Committee, and as a member of the York Rite, he served as High Priest twice in Traverse City Chapter 102, Royal Arch Masons, and as Royal Arch Captain. He held membership in the Traverse City Commandery, No. 41, Knights Templar, the Christian Order of Masonry, as Standard Bearer, Prelate, and Chairman of the Hospital Committee. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, the Valley of Traverse City. Merlin was a co-editor of the Northland Masonic News, and served on the Board of Directors with the Cherryland Chapter of De Molay and as Advisory Council Chairman.

Among many community service organizations, Merlin was on the Corporate Board of Directors for Munson Health Care.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Wantena, and his older brother Erwin Dumbrille, brother in law James (Rose) Laukhart, and brother in law Glenn Yetter.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, June, and sister Patricia Yetter, his children, Penny (Bob) Derse of Dallas, TX, Dean (Lynne) Dumbrille of Fenton and Dale Richie Dumbrille of Cape Coral, FL. as well as his grandchildren, Gabriel (Samantha) Dumbrille, Sarah (Daniel) Ladd and Michael Dumbrille.

Visitation for Merlin will take place from 5 until 7 pm Friday, Dec. 12 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Masonic Candlelight service will begin at 7 p.m. under the auspices of Masonic Lodge 222 F & AM.

For those who are unable to attend the candlelight service in person, you can view the service live via webcast by visiting www.rjfh.tv . When you arrive at www.rjfh.tv click on Merlin's photo and you will be able to view the service as it happens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, 1200 Wright Ave., Alma, MI 48801 or www.michiganmasonsfoundation.org .

Please share memories and thoughts of Merlin with his family by way of his online guest book/tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.