ROBERT "BOB" LESLIE MERRILL
STETSON - Robert "Bob" Leslie Merrill, 69, passed away July 3, 2009, at his home in Stetson, after a short illness. He was born August 5, 1939, in Stetson, the son of Truman and Julia (Annett) Merrill.

Bob attended school at Corinna Union Academy and graduated in 1957. Bob worked alongside his father and was a partner in T.W. Merrill and Son; he then went on to manage O'Ames Co. in Palmyra for 24 years. Bob was involved in the American Legion in Newport, and went on to be a charter member of the Elks in Pittsfield. Next, he became very involved in the Masons and joined the Anah Temple Shrine of Bangor, and served as President of the Tri-County Shrine in 1993. Bob also served his country by being in the Air National Guard. Bob received his pilot's license in 1968 and flew for many years. He served his community by being on the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board for the town of Stetson from 1981 until 2003. Bob built and raced many cars at Unity Raceway, won many races, and made many friends along the way. He was also a member and Past President of the Sebasticook Snowmobile Club. Bob was an avid hunter and in later years began golfing, which he enjoyed at their Florida home in the winter months.

Bob is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Stetson; a son, Kevin and daughter-in-law Traci, of Corinth; a daughter, Shelly Campbell and son-in-law, Dennis, of Pittsfield; three grandsons, Ben and Joshua Merrill of Corinth and Brady Campbell of Pittsfield; one sister, Sandra Peters and brother-in-law John, of Harpswell; two nephews, Chris and Greg Peters; and niece, Stephanie Peters. Also surviving are several cousins. Bob will be fondly remembered by a stepson, Scott Schissler of Newport and by his wife's children, Ellen Thurlow, David Marston, Debbie Marston, and James Marston. Bob will also be lovingly remembered by several close friends from both Maine and Florida. His smile, laughter, and big hugs will be missed by many.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, July 7th, at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street in Newport, where Masonic services will be held at 7:30 PM, conducted by the Meridian Splendor Masonic Lodge #49. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 11 AM, Wednesday, with Rev. Ed Costain officiating. Burial will be in the Clark's Hill Cemetery in Stetson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Anah Shrine, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, Maine 04402-0735, the funds are to go to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.

For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.