DOVER-FOXCROFT – Dwight Dearborn Merrill, 91, died April 10, 2011, at Hibbard’s Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft, where he had been a patient since 2008. He was born June 16, 1919, in Portland, son of Stanley and Inez (Dearborn) Merrill.
Dwight graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 1938 and after graduation entered into the U.S. Army and served in World War II as a first lieutenant combat engineer in the 9th Infantry Division, and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.
After his term in the Army he returned to Dover-Foxcroft and farmed with his father, then took a job with the U.S. Postal Service, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1985. Dwight was an avid golfer and enjoyed all sports, but especially enjoyed going to the University of Maine hockey games with his grandson and great-grandson. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed wildlife and anything that would require being outside. Dwight was a member of Mosaic Masonic Lodge No. 52 AF & AM, where he was past high priest of the Piscataquis Chapter, the Republican Committee, Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, 9th Infantry Division Association, Purple Heart Association and U.S. Postal Workers Association.
Dwight is survived by his sons, James S. Merrill and his wife, Gloria, of Addison and Richard Merrill of Danville, N.H.; a sister, Virginia (Merrill) Jordan; a daughter-in-law, Barbara (Hitchcock) Merrill; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Dwight was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Packard) Merrill; a son, John P. Merrill; a daughter, Joani Martin; and a brother, George Merrill. Dwight would especially want to remember the many great friends and neighbors he had during his lifetime, and for the past three years the wonderful staff at Hibbard’s Nursing Home.
A celebration of Dwight’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church. A reception will be held immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mosaic Masonic Lodge No. 52 AF & AM, 24 Forest St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at
www.laryfuneralhome.com.