Merlon Fred "Major" Sylvester, Sr. Obituary (1923 - 2019)

WINSLOW/ALBION, ME—Merlon “Major” Sylvester, formally of Winslow, ME and Albion, ME, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, with family at his side. He was born in Winslow, ME on December 5, 1923, the son of the late Elwood and Eva Sylvester. He married Christine Caron on March 7, 1946. They enjoyed 68 years of married life together. Major worked years picking up cans of milk from area farmers and transporting it for Carroll Harding to Portland. After marrying, he worked as a self-employed farmer and woodsman. He loved spending time with family and friends and being involved with church activities. He also had a great passion for stock car racing. He was always willing to give advice and a helping hand to all family members, especially Fred, Jeannette, and Jr., who drove stock cars. He was a dedicated spectator at Unity Raceway for many years. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Christine; his daughter, Carol; his sisters, Jessie Brooks and Irene Blomiley; and his brothers, Fred and Ralph Sylvester. Major will be sadly missed by his children, Paulette and her husband, Richard Chapman, Jeannette and her husband, Everett Tinker, Merlon Sylvester Jr., and Fred Sylvester; 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren. The family would like to send special thanks to the ER and Critical Care staffs at Inland Hospital for the compassionate care given to major and his family during his final days. Also, thanks to the nursing staff at Oak Grove Center in Waterville, ME for the care given during his stay there. Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 8 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, ME. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Winslow Baptist Church, 1040 Augusta Rd., Winslow, ME. Burial will be later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Winslow Baptist Church.