Worcester – Merle O. Tompkins, 79, passed away July 9, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Albany. He was born February 19, 1947, the son of William R. Tompkins and Lucille (Zeh) Tompkins Lyon.

Merle graduated from Worcester Central School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He served in Vietnam in 1967, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. He was deeply proud to be a Marine. 

Merle was retired for many years. He loved his family dearly and traveled frequently to North Carolina to visit them. 

He is survived by his brothers, William R. Tompkins Jr. and his wife, Diann of Virginia, and Tim Tompkins and his wife, Dawn of North Carolina; his sister, Linda Tompkins Van Dyke and her husband, Steve of East Worcester; and his children, Toby Bunn and Nancy of Oneonta, Hope Jones of Syracuse, Shannon Conway Keith of Tennessee, and Casey Bunn and Elashia of Tennessee. He is also survived by two very special nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins and friends, including his late special friend, Gary Schmitt of Bud's in Worcester. 

A military service will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester in May 2027 when all of his family and friends can attend. More information will be announced at a later date. 

Arrangements are entrusted with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, www.hellerskinnerfh.com.