Merle E. Prock, 86, passed away in his home in Waldoboro on Monday, April 22, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children in the place he always loved to be.
Merle was one of six children to Dorothy Lillian Jackson and Alton Ancil Prock, born on Dec. 24 of 1937. He graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1956, despite all the chaos and trouble he got into with his friends.
During high school he worked at Harold Ralph’s Chevrolet Garage. Merle later went on to work for his father at Alton Prock & Sons, which later became what is now known as Prock Marine Co., after the tragic death of his father, Alton, in 1962 from a fatal plane crash. The four brothers came together and rebranded the company in 1963.
Merle was no stranger to hard work, which was well displayed through his years at Prock Marine Co., but also at the family farm, Prock Ridge Farm. He was always found out in the yard, running equipment, riding his gator, or just simply finding himself getting into trouble. There are numerous events that many of us can recall where his “activities” resulted in trips to the hospital, a place where he felt was “unnecessary” and with an attitude of “Can I just go home?” Although, these “activities” resulted in chainsaw accidents, falling off hay wagons, and so much more. He was certainly stubborn, but incredibly tough. These were some of his many traits that he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Merle loved spending time up to Moosehead Lake, at Casey’s Camp, where he spent a lot of time out on his boat fishing out of Lily’s Bay. Merle and Loraine had spent many years there, and developed a lifelong friendship with the owners, Casey, and Sarah. Fishing was one of his many hobbies he enjoyed, as he spent time at the family camp on West Grand Lake with his brothers, and even would set up an ice fish trap on his very own pond during the winter months.
Merle married the love of his life, Loraine, on Sept. 13 of 1958, where they spent 65 wonderful years together. And what a dynasty they built together. From their children to grandchildren to their great-grandchildren who they loved very much. But they were well known for their farm on Route 32 of Waldoboro where they raised and bred Belted Galloways. Their cattle traveled near and far, with genetics going throughout the United States and Canada, and even traveling as far as Australia. Their home is decorated with many awards and trophies over the years. But Merle’s greatest trophy was a home-grown bull that made it big, Prock Ridge Calgary, who was the first Belted Galloway bull to win Supreme Overall Champion at three consecutive fairs. As of this year, they were the oldest active members of the Belted Galloway Association/Society.
Predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Ancil, Wallace, and Maynard Prock; sister, Marie Davis; and brother-in-law, Herb Paradise.
Merle is survived by his wife, Loraine Prock; his son, Kevin and wife, Brenda Prock, of Waldoboro; his daughter, Wanda Prock and partner, Dennis Kendrick, of Waldoboro; his daughter, Lori and husband, Jim Guptill, of Waldoboro; his son, Eric and wife, Michelle Prock, of Waldoboro; his nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: grandson, Anthony Prock, of Portland; his grandson, Devin and wife, Sandra Prock, and their children Eliza and Eliot, of Waldoboro; his grandson, Derek and wife, Amie Prock, and their children Hannah, Emily, Cassidy, Zoey, and Dylan, of Waldoboro; his grandson, Joseph Guptill and his partner, Laura Cutler, and their daughter, Erin, of Waldoboro; his granddaughter, Ashley and husband, Jacob Lee, and their sons, Matthew and Davey, of Friendship; his grandson, Tyler and wife, Kelsey Prock, and their daughters, Aubrey and Allie, of Waldoboro; his granddaughter, Krista Bailey and partner, Rob Lockhart, of Natick, Mass.; his granddaughter, Lauren and husband, Bryan Coger, of Waldoboro; his grandson, Codey Prock and fiance, Kellie Wiley, of Waldoboro; his sister, Mary Lou Paradise, of Florida; his sisters-in-law, Doris Prock, Shirley Prock, and Marcia Prock; and brother-in-law, Harvey Davis.
There will be visiting hours from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Lung Association.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Merle or to share a story or picture, please visit Merle’s book of memories at hallfuneralhomes.com.
