HOULTON – Mellen Pearce Putnam, 87, died May 3, 2010, at a local health care facility. He was born April 26, 1923, in Houlton, the son of Arthur Otis Sr. and Claire (Pearce) Putnam. Mell graduated from Ricker Classical Institute, Class of 1941. He attended Ricker Junior College for two years and a year of business college before going to work at Putnam Brothers. He took some time off from the family’s company to work for Christian Science Publishing Society. In 1954, he returned to work at Putnam Brothers as a bookkeeper until his retirement in 1981. After retirement, he moved closer to his children so he and Polly could spend time and help with their grandchildren. Family was very important to him. Mell was a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist and First Baptist Church, Houlton. Mell is survived by two daughters, Rachel Putnam of Milford, and Ann Rairdon and her husband, Fred, of Houlton; three grandchildren, Amber and Aaron Putnam, and Lauren Eastham; many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Pauline “Polly” Putnam; his brothers, Otis and Joseph Putnam; and his sisters, Isabel Ross and Hannah Burbank. Friends may call noon until time of service 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Arthur Myers officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Mell’s memory to First Baptist Church, Houlton Humane Society or a charity of your choice, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences may be expressed at www.dunnfuneral.com.
MELLEN P. PUTNAM
