FARMINGTON — Merlon R. Kingsley, 89, of Strong, died Feb. 26, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient.

He was born Nov. 3, 1921, in Strong, the son of Algenon and Zena Toothaker Kingsley. He was educated in the schools of Strong, graduating from Strong High School, Class of 1941. He later graduated from Colburn Institute in Waterville.

Merlon served in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 22, 1942 to July 25, 1945, where he was stationed in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He married Aileen McCourt on April 3, 1949, in Strong, and she died in 2008.

He was employed in his early years at the First National Store, C.H. Brackley Mill, Forster Manufacturing Co, Starbird Lumber and later for the U.S. Postal Service from 1958 to 1982 as a rural carrier.

He was a member of Johnson-Cox American Legion of Strong, where he was past commander, Davis Masonic Lodge 191, AF and AM of Strong, where he was past master, Blue Mountain Masonic Lodge 67, AF and AM of Phillips and the Strong Historical Society.

He enjoyed traveling and camping with his wife. Merlon liked to hunt and fish with his friends, traveling to Canada, with them several times.

He is survived by one son, Lynn White of Phillips; three grandsons; two great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.