Merle E. "Slim" Everetts, 88, of Wellsboro, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at The Green Home, Wellsboro. He was born on May 21, 1928, in Wellsboro, the son of Elmer and Erva (Housler) Everetts. He was the husband of the late Mary (Mould) Everetts who passed away in 1997. He had been employed at The Wellsboro Gazette for over 40 years and served in the United States Army during World War II. Merle was a member of the Johnny Lundgren's Orchestra, and enjoyed playing professional guitar. He was the owner/operator of Everetts' Grocery Store in Wellsboro.He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Elmer and Ann Everetts of Trout Run, James Everetts of Tombstone, Ariz.; a daughter, Vivian Drezek of Wellsboro; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Mould of Horseheads, N.Y.; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; two sisters, Dorothy Davis and Evelyn LaPolt.A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Wellsboro Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to , P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9950. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com