FARMINGTON – Earnest E. Meldrum, 83, of Farmington, passed away on Monday, July 25, at his home in Farmington.

He was born in New Sweden, on July 3, 1922, the son of Wallace E. and Lora (Henry) Meldrum. He grew up in Kingfield and graduated from Stanley High School in Kingfield.

He married the former Roberta Loucks on June 27, 1948. After her death, he married Dorothy E. Emery Cossaboom on April 3, 1976.

Earnest worked as a farmer, lumberman, and milk deliverer for the Titcomb and Gifford families for 27 years, then at the Bass Shoe Factory until his retirement in 1984.

He spent time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling.

He was a licensed lay preacher as a member of Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington, where he served as a deacon for several years. He was on the Missions Board and taught Sunday School and was a youth leader. He was president of American Baptist Men of Maine and held offices in West Association of American Baptist Men. He was representative of the National Board of American Baptist Churches where he served on the Board of International Ministries. Earnest was also a member of the St. Andrews Society of Maine.

Survivors include a daughter, Ava L. Crocker of North Jay; stepdaughter, Elisabeth Small of New Mexico; a son, Norman W. Meldrum and wife, Barbara, of Wilton; four stepsons, Stephen Cossaboom and companion, Betsy Bridgham, of Denmark, Philip Cossaboom of Madison, Nathan Cossaboom and wife, Jessica, David Cossaboom and wife, Jennifer, all of Fayette; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four brothers, Vernon of Arizona, Merton of Conn., and Ronald and Raymond both of Kingfield.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Phillis Seamon, Doris Newell; and infant, Shirley.

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