A long-time community leader in the town of Hope has died.

Merrill Clouse, along with his wife Norma, operated the town grocery store for many years and were involved in many of the town’s community events and institutions including the founding of Hope Heritage Days, the Yellow Trail Museum, the town’s volunteer fire department and other initiatives.

Town Councilman Ed Johnson and Clouse were part of the Breakfast Crew that gathered at the diner every morning to swap jokes and stories.

Johnson said that Hope has a tendency to be a laid back community and Clouse helped push the town to succeed.

Merrill Clouse was 96. He passed away a year and three days after his wife Norma.

Shirley Robertson, former long-time clerk-treasurer in the town, said that Clouse had a way of getting people involved.

She especially appreciated his involvement with the town’s volunteer fire department, which he helped found and where he served as chief for 26 years.