Merle Sprague Jr.

Pembroke – Merle O. Sprague, 91, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Machias in the early morning hours of June 16, 2018. He was born on July 4, 1926 in Dennsyville to Merle and Ida (Hayward) Sprague.

Merle graduated from Dennysville High School in 1944 at the age of 18, and soon after, joined the Navy where he proudly served as a Gunner on the U.S.S. Springfield. Following his military service, he returned home and married Pauline Stanhope, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage until her passing on September 2, 2014. They built their home in Pembroke and there, they raised their four sons.

Merle worked at several jobs in his lifetime, some of which were The American Can Co. in Lubec, Guilford Woolen Mill in Quoddy Village, and he drove a Harris bread truck for a time. He worked on construction for Stone & Webster Co. in Woodland, at the mill, and lastly he drove an oil tanker truck for R.H. Foster for 26 years until his retirement in 1991 at the age of 65. He enjoyed a long retirement.

Merle was a life-long member of the American Legion and belonged to the Odd Fellows. He was an avid hunter in his younger days, and he had a special love for all dogs. He, Pauline and their family enjoyed many happy times at their camp on Cathance Lake. Merle attended First Baptist Church in Pembroke with Pastor Gary Kinney.

In addition to his wife and parents, Merle was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Lewis Sprague and Harland Ray Sprague.

Surviving are his four sons, Wendell and his wife Carlene of Porte Verdra, FL, Norman and his longtime companion Bob Latham of Cape Elizabeth, Roger and his wife Teresa of Ellsworth, and Alan and his wife Carol of Perry; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Sprague of Baileyville, and Donna Sprague of Machias; several cousins, nieces and nephews; a very special niece Sharon Lozier of Dennysville; a special friend Gert Meachum of Pembroke; special friends and neighbors, John (Jackie) and Joan Cushing, Dale and Lisa Shannon, Johnny Cushing and his companion Jenna, and many, many more friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15th at Dennysville Cemetery with a reception at First Baptist Church of Pembroke to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Merle’s memory may be made to PAWS, 368 South St., Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.

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