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Merle L. Blank, age 75 of Oak Ridge, passed away at a local hospital on Saturday, March 14, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State College. During his career as a research chemist he authored many papers and was a frequent presenter at field related meetings. He retired as a biochemist in 1992 from Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, coaching softball, attending sporting activities of his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies included woodworking and working with computers. He could be found enjoying morning coffee with friends and lunch at Shoney’s. He was preceded in death by his daughter Janice Blank and his parents Cecil and Marie Blank. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy Siegle Blank; children Dr. Nancy Blank and husband Dr. William Pryor, III of Cleveland, TN, David Blank and wife Vicki of Oak Ridge, Linda Blank Payne and husband Dr. Wesley Payne of Knoxville, and Jim Blank and wife Elizabeth of Knoxville; grandchildren Will and Alison Pryor, Jessie and Stephen Blank, Kendall, Anderson and Taylor Payne, Brittany and Haley Blank; sister Arlene Tangborn and husband Archie, brother Joe Blank and wife Carol, sister Esther Vorderbruggen and husband Adrian, brother Bob Blank and wife Lorene, and sister Evelyn Creger and husband Harry. The family will receive friends at the chapel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 am Wednesday March 18, 2009 with a funeral mass and interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s School.