AUGUSTA - Dean L. 'Dipper' Merrill, 75, of Pearl Street died Monday, March 15, 2004, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta. He was born in Augusta on Oct. 14, 1928, the son of Paul and Floy (Sawtelle) Merrill. He attended Augusta area schools and had served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Dipper had worked for the state Department of Transportation for 39 years and 11 months, retiring in 1988. He was a member of the American Legion Post 2, Augusta. Dipper had a flair for storytelling. He was an avid Civil War buff, he loved the state of Maine and he enjoyed spending time with his breakfast friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Maxine Newhall. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Merrill; a son, John Niles Merrill of Pennsylvania; a daughter, Jane Merrill Butler and her husband, Michael, of Sidney; and a granddaughter, Shelby Thibodeau, also of Sidney. There will be no visiting at this time. A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the chapel at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. A gathering and celebration of his life will be held at a later date and time to be announced. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Pet Haven Lane, Augusta 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta.