William Edward Merkel

Orlando, Fla. ? Services for William Edward Merkel, 40, Orlando, will be later. Cremation is planned.

Mr. Merkel died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at his home after an extended illness.

He was born March 12, 1963, in Lawrence, Kan., the son of William and Norma Jean (Clark) Merkel. He attended Lawrence public schools and graduated in 1981 from Lawrence High School.

Mr. Merkel worked for Garber Construction before moving to Florida.

He was married in November 1998 in Orlando. His wife, Joan, survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, William Ethan, of the home; his mother, Norma Jean Leonard, Eudora, Kan.; his father, Lawrence; and a sister, Debra Caine, Houston.

The family suggests memorials to a Hospice organization or the National Cancer Foundation.