Duane R. Merrill, 68, of Hamden passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 11, 2014 in Hamden. Duane was born November 11, 1945 in Hamden, NY to Howard and Alice (Brant) Merrill. On June 14, 1969, he married Margaret "Peg" Rogers in New Holland, PA.

Duane Merrill was a graduate of Walton Central School, class of 1963 and of Cornell University, class of 1967 where he earned a B.S degree in Agricultural Engineering. Duane was a lifelong resident of the Hamden area; leaving home for only 18 months while was employed by New Holland Machine Company. This experience introduced him to his life-long companion Peg. After they were married, Duane and Peg moved back to Hamden and began to operate Hilldale Farms. In addition to fulfilling his passion as a farmer, he was a Walton Central School bus driver. An active community member, he served for 18 years as the judge of Hamden, and for 15 years on the Walton School Board, including 5 years as president. He was a founding member of the Walton chapter of Jaycees and an Elder at the United Presbyterian Church in Walton. He may be most remembered for his hearty, distinctive laugh and how proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving family, his mother Alice (Merrill) Blackman of Hamden; his wife: Margaret "Peg" (Rogers) Merrill of Hamden; daughters: Lori Merrill (Frank Samuelson) of Rockville, MD, and Janet Rosales of Las Vegas, NV; son: Michael Merrill (Angela Frank) of Portland, OR; grandchildren Eli Samuelson, Brennan Rosales, Brianne Rosales, Max Miller, Luci Merrill, Henri Merrill and Elizabeth Merrill; sisters: Jean (Chuck) Busch of Oakland, CA, Linda (Stan) Yardas of Kingman, AZ, and Kathleen (Robert) Teehan of Atlanta, GA; neice, Tracey (Jim) Klein of Atlanta, GA; and his uncle, Phil Merrill of Hamden. He was predeceased by his father, Howard Merrill.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday July 17, 2014 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. Funeral Services will be held on Friday July 18, 2014 at 10 am at the United Presbyterian Church in Walton with Pastor Lisa Ruth Mays officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Duane Merrill's name may be made to any organization of one's choice. Suggestions would include the FFA at Walton Central School, Heifer International, and the American Heart Association.