EXETER – Merle G. “Sonny” Demmons Jr., 72, passed away peacefully Sept. 11, 2008, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital. Merle was born June 21, 1936, in Dover-Foxcroft, to the late Merle G. Sr. and Adeline A. (Greene) Demmons. Merle to some, but more often known as “Sonny,” attended Bangor area schools before going to work for Viner and Ansewn Shoe Cos., for 33 years. After his retirement from the shoe shops, he worked several years for American Concrete, Bangor, where he manufactured Shawnee steps. Sonny was an avid hunter and fishermen, and took great pride in throwing horseshoes. He was a member of Brewer Eagles Club, as well as Bangor Elks Club, where he enjoyed weekly outings and always a competitive game of cribbage. Sonny will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and friend to all. Merle is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Lilla M. (Pushor) Demmons of Exeter; two sons, Scott Demmons of Orono and Kevin Demmons and wife, Roxanne, of Milford; brothers and sister, Walter F. Demmons Sr. and wife, Carolyn, of Winterport, Kenneth G. Demmons Sr. and wife, Jean, of Dixmont, Donna L. Cafferty and husband, Bill, of Lincoln and Eugene J. Demmons and wife, Joan, of Gouldsboro; two sisters-in-law, Brenda Demmons of Dixmont and Helen Plummer of Exeter; six grandchildren, Scott, Kevin, Corey, Tammy, Chris and Heidi; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Chloe; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Merle was predeceased by his parents; as well as a brother, Clifford Michael Demmons. Family and friends may visit 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, with Sonny’s brother, Eugene, officiating. Interment will be at Dixmont Corner Cemetery, Dixmont. A gathering will be held immediately after the interment at East Dixmont Community Church, where family and friends may share in light refreshments and a continued time of remembrance. Memorial contributions in Sonny’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Maine, 470 Forest Ave., Suite 302, Portland, ME 04101. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.