Merwyn L Hassell Jr

Hassell, Merwyn L. Jr., 87 of Clearwater died Sunday July 9th. He was the son of the late Merwyn and Lila Leverock Hassell. He married his childhood sweetheart, Merilyn in 1956 in Richmond Hill, NY. He was a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA. After their honeymoon in Miami, the visited and fell in love with Clearwater.

The young couple just out of college bravely rented their first storefront and opened Cleveland Hassell Florist in the summer of 1959. In 1967, he purchased the property on the corner of Duncan and Drew and the current location of Cleveland Hassell Florist became a reality. During his lifetime, he was an active member in the Church of the Nazarene as board member, Sunday school teacher, and assisted his wife in the children's department. He also was involved with the Clearwater High School Band Boosters where he was known as “Big Merv.” He enjoyed spending time at his home in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Merwyn was a member of the Florida National Guard from 1959 to 1964.

Merwyn and his wife raised three children, Sheryl, Byron and Vernon.

He is survived by his wife Merilyn, his sister Muriel Hysong, his 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild..

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be 11-1 Wednesday July 26 at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2860 Sunset Point Rd. Clearwater, Florida 33759

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Hassell family.