Merle T. Phelps
1930 – 2010

GREENE — Merle Tufvesson Phelps, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 2, at his residence. He was formerly of Rumford.

He was born in Mexico, Jan. 18, 1930, a son of the late Archie and Ruby (Tufvesson) Phelps. He was a graduate of Stephens High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He worked as a carpenter for Albert Hodsdon for several years and then as a custodian and bus driver for the Rumford School Department for many years, until his retirement.

He was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church, Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, American Legion. He was a volunteer at the grade school library on York Street in Rumford and at GRAMPS in Mexico. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with family and friends.

He was married in Moose River on Aug. 28, 1954 to Marjorie Moore, who died in Lewiston on March 25, 2008.

Survivors include a son, Kerry and his wife, Nicole, of South Paris; a daughter, Marcia Jolicoeur and her husband, Peter, of Greene; grandchildren, Ryan Phelps, Sara Jolicoeur, Aaron Jolicoeur and his wife, Jennifer, and Pfc. Matthew Jolicoeur and his wife, Heather; great-grandson, Desmond Jolicoeur; a brother, Duane Phelps and his wife, Lorraine, of Rumford; a sister, Barbara Bailey and her husband, George, of West Acton, Mass.; and his mother-in-law, Elaine Moore of Auburn.

He was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.