Merlin Evered
Gales Ferry — Merlin Leo Evered of Gales Ferry died Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the age of 94. Affectionately known as “Bud,” he was born in Plains, Mont., the son of the late Richard and Evelyn (Stevenson) Evered. He spent his youth in Butte, Mont., and lived in Gales Ferry since 1968.
He is survived by his wife, June Isabel (Christie) Evered; his three children, Richard Evered and his partner Debbie Bruce of Livermore, Calif., Holly Mensch and her husband John of Portland, Ore., and Stuart Evered and his wife Charlene of Davidson, N.C.; and his three grandchildren, Chelsea Evered of Los Angeles, Calif., Kyle Evered of New Haven and Heather Evered of New London.
Bud had a long and distinguished career in military service. He joined the U.S. Army in 1945, serving during the occupations of Japan and Austria, following World War II in Korea, and in Vietnam, receiving numerous U.S. and Foreign Service awards and medals, including the Bronze Star. Between tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, he served in the Office of the U.S. Army Attaché in Indonesia, Uruguay and Haiti. After his discharge from the Army in 1967, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for 15 years. In addition, he served the U.S. Department of Defense as a finance manager and the supervisor of shipbuilding for the U.S. Navy for 21 years.
He was a member of the American Legion for 75 years and post commander and quartermaster of VFW Post 4608, Ledyard. Bud was a longtime volunteer with the Town of Ledyard. He served on the Conservation Commission and was instrumental in developing the Glacier Park and building the original Earth Day programs for the Town of Ledyard. He was also active and served in leadership roles for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. When Bud wasn’t supporting the community through his many volunteer commitments, he enjoyed reading (especially military history), road trips, hiking and being in the outdoors.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 1, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A brief prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m. during the calling hours at the funeral home. His burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Ledyard VFW Post 4608 P.O. Box 31 Ledyard, CT 06339, payable to VFW Post 4608 General Fund.