Merle Harvey Smith

FARMINGTON – Merle Harvey Smith, of Farmington, ended life’s journey on Nov. 12, 2021. He was the third child of Harvey and Mildred Brown Smith. Merle was educated in local schools, graduating from Farmington High School in 1952. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army and spent two-and-a-half years in Germany. He was proud to be part of the Army’s First Division and remained a patriot all his life. Merle returned to Farmington and joined his father in the painting business. He carried on after his father’s passing, hiring crews when needed for big jobs. For more than 50 years, Merle painted area houses and did interior painting and wallpapering. In 1960, Merle married Elizabeth Stevens and together they had four children, Sharon, Stacey, Joel, and James Harvey Smith, who died in infancy. Merle was proud of his family, and during his retirement, he especially enjoyed watching his son, Joel, coach and his grandchildren play soccer in the fall. His grandkids were also great skiers, and Merle was often seen at the slopes cheering them on in ski meets. He was a loving “Bumpa” to Sadie Farrand, Sam and Josh Smith, and Jessica, Eben and Levi Bouchard.Merle is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Lizzie; their children, Sharon Bouchard and husband Michael, Stacey Farrand and husband Chuck, Joel Smith and wife Karen; the grandchildren mentioned; his sister, Gaynelle Yeaton; his brother, Brent Smith and wife Bertha; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his infant son; his sister, Elaine Cote; nieces, Melanie and Celeste Cote; brother in-law, Lawrence Yeaton; nephew, Stephen Yeaton; and a second brother in-law, Bob Newton.His loss is deeply felt by extended family, Fred and Jo Lesperance and their children; Elizabeth’s six brothers, sisters and spouses; and his many nieces and nephews on the Stevens side of the family.The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Merle’s caregivers, Charlene Corbett and Robin Hackala, who were a great help to Liz and so kind to Merle during his long illness. The gentle and caring workers from Androscoggin Health Care were a great comfort during Merle’s last days.Liz and her family will have calling hours on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Dan & Scott’s Funeral Home, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Merle’s funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, 110 Academy St., in Farmington, with a reception immediately following.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Merle’s memory to Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Attn: Ann Bryant, PO Box 147, Farmington, ME 04938