Merle Carleton Proctor Obituary (1927 - 2014)

FAIRFIELD, MAINE – Merle Carleton Proctor, 87, of Fairfield, ME, passed peacefully at Togus Veterans Administration on Sunday, December 21, 2014. He was born on February 17, 1927, to George and Gertrude Proctor in Waterville, Maine. Merle graduated from Lawrence High School and Bentley College. Merle served the United States Army during World War II where he served a tour of duty in Japan. Merle worked and retired from Keyes Fibre in 1989, after working there for 33 years. Merle was a member of the Winslow VFW. Merle married Elizabeth “Betty” Josephine Dean on October 11, 1952. They celebrated 58 years of marriage and raised a family of seven children. Merle enjoyed many years camping with his family and friends at Abnaki campground in East Madison, ME. He enjoyed going to the horse races at Skowhegan Fairgrounds where he was a lifetime member of the Skowhegan State Fair Association. He enjoyed working in his garden. He and Betty enjoyed many years of dancing which he loved to do. He was able to still show off his dancing skills with his daughter Patti and granddaughter Kiandra just a few weeks ago when they traveled to Maine to spend time with him. Merle was predeceased by his wife Betty; his parents; his brother, Edward Proctor; his sister, Jeannette Pease Anctil; his daughter, Charlene Buker McKenzie; and his grandson, Nathan Frost. He is survived by his children, Merlene Roderick and husband Stephen, of Skowhegan, ME, Beth Ketch and husband Edward of Belgrade, ME, Diane Frost and husband, Donald of Winslow, ME, Patti Dexter and husband, Larry of Tucson, Arizona, Kevin Proctor and wife Laura of Lewisville, Texas, and Dean Proctor of Fairfield, ME; 14 grandchildren, Stacey Roderick, Rebecca Roderick, Stephen Roderick, Jessica Giles, Paul Brann, Darbi Poirier, Lindsey Bickford, Heather Hussey, Kiandra Hebert, Ashley Hebert, Brittany Bickford, Tyler Buker, Trevor Proctor and Caleb Proctor; as well 15 great grandchildren, Bradley, Nicholas, Kimberly, Katelin, Stephen, Sammy, Jake, Eloise, Michael, Matthew, Gabe, Darrell, Natalie, Ashleigh, and Daniel. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Togus for the wonderful care they provided to Merle and his family over the last two weeks. At Merle’s request, there will be no viewing or funeral services. A spring burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton followed by a gathering for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merle’s memory to Togus Veteran’s Administration Center Hospice Unit, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330 An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, ME.