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Merlin Dale Danford (Dan), age 81, of Oak Ridge passed away Thursday November 6, 2008.
He was born December 5, 1926 in Pleasant City, Ohio. He served in World War II for the Army (11th Airborne Division) in the Occupation of Japan. He earned his BS in Chemistry from Ohio University, PhD in Physical Chemistry from Purdue, and his MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He worked at ORNL in the Chemical Division for several years and late at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama until his retirement in 1997. While at NASA, Merlin received the “NASA Exceptional Service Metal” for exceptional scientific achievements in corrosion research as applied to aerospace metallic materials and coatings.
Merlin achieved his Pilot’s license and enjoyed flying airplanes in his younger years as well as building and flying model airplanes as a hobby. He greatly enjoyed watching all UT sports, Vols and Lady Vols, as well as Atlanta Braves baseball games. He also enjoyed time spent with friends at the Krystal restaurant and Paula’s Market.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar C. and Agnes Oliver Danford. He is survived by his son Ed Danford and his wife, Teresa of Austin, TX; daughters, Colleen Danford and Melinda Danford of Oak Ridge; grandchildren, Eric and Mitch Danford and Kevin Young all of Oak Ridge. He is also survived by his brother, Darrel Danford and his wife Virgie of Springfield, Ohio.
Graveside services will be held Monday November 10, 2008 2:00pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday November 9, 2008 5:00 to 7:00pm at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home.