PARIS — Former U.S. Navy Seaman First Class Leland G. Merchant is the Maine Veterans Home Veteran of the Month. 

Merchant was born in Weld on Dec. 6, 1927. He graduated from Mt. Valley High School in Rumford.

In July 1945, he enlisted to go into the U.S. Navy and served in Korea during World War II. Merchant achieved the rank Seaman First Class and received the World War II Victory medal. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 17, 1946.

Merchant married June Hodge, and they have two children, Dennis and Cheryl; four grandchildren, Christopher, Jason, Carrie and Jonathan; and three great-grandchildren, Landon, Whitney and Jamie.

Merchant worked at Stowe McGregor’s mill in Dixfield as a spool machinist for many years. 

He enjoyed snowmobiling, snowshoeing, country music, gardening, spending time outside, playing golf and traveling. Leland and his wife traveled to Hawaii and Indianapolis with his legion and also attended many events throughout the state. Leland was a member of the Odd Fellows, a former commander of 40/8, and a former commander of the American Legion in Rumford and a VFW member.

Merchant taught Sunday School for 17 years. 

He came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in 2012, and resides on the C-Unit.