The McDougald Funeral Home2211 North Main StreetAnderson, SC 29621864-224-4343OBITUARYFLAG MR. DEAN MERK November 12, 1943 - June 3, 2008ANDERSON, SCGary Dean Merk, 64, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 03, 2008.Dean was a Christian and a Charter Member of Providence Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Men's Sunday School Teacher and was a member of the Choir. He was a member and former chief of Williford Fire Department and also served as a Board Member for Center Rock Fire Department. Dean was born in Anderson, SC and was the son of the late George and Geneva Merck. He served in the United States Army and retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard and was a former member of the Executive Council for the South Carolina Army National Guard Association. Dean was self-employed, the owner and operator of Merk, Sons and Associates.Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Juanita Merk of the home; daughter, Karen Todd and husband, Tommy; sons, Bryan Merk and wife, Denise, Craig Merk and wife, Misti, all of Anderson; grandchildren, Thomas Todd, Amanda Merk, Laci Merk, Timothy Todd, McKenzie Merk, Steven Merk and Dawson Merk. Also surviving are his brothers, Marshall Merck and wife, Malea of Gray Court, SC, Derrick Merck and wife, Karen of Ringgold, GA and sister, Barbara Gray and husband, George of Anderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Merk. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Providence Baptist Church officiated by the Reverend Michael Kinard. Interment will follow in M. J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veteran's Cemetery with Military Honors.The family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.The family will be at the residence, 821 Norris Road, Anderson, SC.Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, 4520 Dobbins Bridge Road, Anderson, SC 29626 or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visitingwww.mcdougaldfuneralhome.comThe McDougald Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.