RALPH N. "JAKE" MERRILL JR.
STETSON - Ralph N. "Jake" Merrill Jr. 72 died Sept. 23, 2008 at a Bangor health care facility following a long illness. He was born in Stetson July 9, 1936 the son of Ralph N. and Ellen I. (Charters) Merrill Sr.. Ralph was educated in Stetson schools. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving in Madrid Spain for two years. Ralph married Carolyn F. Bland, Jan. 11, 1959, in Salina, Kansas. After his discharge from the Air Force they made their home back in Stetson. Jake worked in construction all his life and for 32 years he was employed by Lane Construction as a paving foreman. After his retirement he and his wife Carolyn enjoyed traveling around the country and visiting many different states. He loved the outdoors especially while fishing and hunting. He was a charter member of the Sebasticook Valley Snowmobile Club in Newport and a former member of the Stetson Fire Dept.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Carolyn F. Merrill of Stetson, two sons and their partners, Richard Merrill and Mary Anne Coffin of Bangor, Dale Merrill and Traci Boyce of Stetson, a daughter-in-law Janet Heal of Stetson, one brother and his wife, Charles and Connie Merrill of Stetson, one sister and her husband, Shirley and Darrell Eells of Stetson, two grandchildren Katy Coffin and Corey Merrill, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his son David Merrill, Dec. 11 2006, and his granddaughter Amber Merrill.

Friends may call 6 to 8 PM Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at the Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Center, 34 High St. Newport. Graveside funeral services will be conducted 1 PM Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 at the Clarks Hill Cemetery Stetson with Pastor Al Worden officiating. To sign an online guest book and leave written tributes please visit: www.PhilipBrownFuneralHome.com.