FARMINGTON — Carrol Herbert Merchant, 86, formerly of Wilton, died peacefully March 11, at Sandy River Nursing Care Center.

He was born Aug. 22, 1926, in East Wilton, the son of Jotham and Edna Rowe Merchant. He graduated from Wilton Academy, Class of 1944, the day before D-Day. In 1948, he left his job at the Wilton Woolen Mill to attend the New England Conservatory of Music, studying with Simon Sternburg of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

He was employed at the International Paper Co. in Jay, later the Otis Specialty Paper Corporation, until he retired in 1991. Most of his tenure was spent in the technical department as a paper inspector.

Avocations were creative photography which challenged him, traveling, meeting people, writing poetry and a book about East Wilton, When Tricks Were Treats (circa 1930-1940). Spending time at the cottage he built on Webb Lake in Weld and riding motorcycles for 40 years helped fulfill his craving to be outdoors.

Music played a big part in his life; he was a natural on the drums. He played in many local bands and combos. Big Bands were his musical preference. To be at a concert or dance was his desire.

In September 1999, while on a cruise to Hawaii, he enjoyed five nights of musical entertainment provided by the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Consequently, he rated this experience the highlight of his musical career.

In 1950, he married Carolyn Bean of Livermore Falls. They were the parents of Christine, Curtis, Cynthia, Celine and Cheri. In 1996, he married Dorothy Wentworth Shaw of Gerard, Kan., formerly of Maine.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy and her children, Kathy (and Melvin) Croft of Smithfield and Mark Shaw of Farmington; also, Christine Merchant and Wayne Davis of Mount Vernon, Curt and Patti Merchant of Cheyenne, Wyo., Cynthia and Russell Scott of Guilford, Celine and Robby Richards of New Sharon, and Cheri and Jim Johnson of South Weber, Utah; and grandchildren, Anahita Joshi and Kian Merchant-Borna, Jenika and Jediah Scott, Josiah and Jeremiah Johnson, Deanna and Adelle Richards.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Louise Wilson of Weld and Carolyn Bean Merchant of Wilton; and son-in-law, Dr. Shapour Borna of Farmington.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Carrol’s family on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.