1936 – 2014

HALLOWELL — Merlin Lewis Rollins, 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 4.

Merlin was born in Hallowell on April 14, 1936, a son of Clarence and Doris (Moody) Rollins. He was a graduate of Hallowell High School. After graduation, Merlin furthered his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maine in Orono. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country for several years.

After the service, Merlin returned to Maine and worked for his parents’ business, Rollins’ Furniture, which he came to own and operate, and spent much of his retirement at the store working with his son, Kevin, and traveling.

Merlin was a generous man who had a great love for life and all that it had to offer. He loved new experiences and social gatherings, such as entertaining, dining with his close friends and playing bridge. He loved to get in his car and just go; Merlin was world-traveled, enjoying places such as Hawaii and China. He enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers, Fla.

Merlin was very active in his community, serving many local organizations, as well as being a member of the Kennebec Masonic Lodge No. 5 for 50 years, the Kora Shriners and a member of the Scottish Rite.

Merlin was a man of great character, to know him was to love him and to respect him. Above all, he cherished his family and friends, especially his relationship with his son, Kevin.

He is survived by his beloved and only son, Kevin Rollins and wife, Elizabeth; his four precious granddaughters, Mia, Anneleise, Quinn and Peyton Rollins; a sister, Beverly Hall and husband, Bud; a nephew, Les Hall; a cousin, Mike Moody; and by his former Rollins’ Furniture employees and co-workers who were like family to him; his lifelong best friend, Sam Webber; and many other extended family members and friends.

Merlin was predeceased by his parents and a nephew, Keith Hall.