Merle R. Williamson

Williamson, Merle R., 83, January 31, 2008.  Arrangements by Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.
Bridgewater – Merle R.Williamson, 83, devoted husband and loving father, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 at Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill, after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Merle was born in Monticello, December 12, 1924, the son of Frank and Nina (Jewell) Williamson.
    He attended Monticello and Mars Hill schools. He went to the service during WW II at the age of 18. He served in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After his discharge he came back to Monticello and farmed with his father for several years. Merle was a salesman working for the Pepsi Cola Company for fifteen years and the Humpty Dumpty Potato Chip Co. for seventeen years. He also worked for four years as a Deputy Sheriff in Houlton. After his retirement he drove the Aroostook Health Care van transporting patients to medical appointments for ten plus years. A faithful member of the Free Baptist Church in Bridgewater, for forty plus years, serving as a deacon and sunday school teacher.
    He is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Laverna (Bulley) Williamson and his devoted son, Rodney M. Williamson both of Bridgewater; his brother, Vaughn Williamson and his wife Kay of New Hampshire; a sister, Pat Tuba and her husband Al of CT; sisters-in-law, June Weeks of PA and Maxine Williamson of Houlton; several nieces and nephews including special nieces Annette Arribas of PA and Carolyn Malardo of CT. Predeceasing him were brothers, Lloyd, Arthur and Clair Williamson and a sister, Freda Hartley.
    Funeral services were conducted 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Free Baptist Church in Bridgewater with Pastor Lawrence Beals officiating. Relatives and friends called at the church from 1:30 until the time of the service. A special thanks to the staff at the Aroostook Health Care Center and Dr. David Jones for the loving care he received there. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Free Baptist Church, P.O. Box 280, Bridgewater, ME 04735 or to the Activities Fund at the Aroostook Health Care Center, P.O.Box 410, Mars Hill, ME 04758.