Merton W. Leeman, 92, passed away on the morning of July 1 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta with his loving children by his side. Born on Sept. 11, 1923 in Round Pond, he was the son of Clifford and Winifred (Smith) Leeman.
Merton grew up in Round Pond, attending the Washington School in Round Pond, and graduated from Bristol High School. On March 6, 1943 he married Ruth Sykes Leeman, and two days later left to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. Ruth left by train to be with him. While in the Coast Guard he trained war dogs among many other duties. Upon his honorable discharge, they moved back to Maine where he went to work and they raised two children.
Early on he worked for O.W. Holmes as an equipment operator, he then worked for Vocaline in South Bristol, testing sonar buoys for the Navy, which provided him the opportunity to travel. For most of his career, he operated a bulldozer for Chester Rice, whom he was very fond of and where he retired from.
Merton enjoyed going up north with friends, camping and snowmobiling, dancing, and spending time with his loving family. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his brothers. He loved being a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. He was one of a kind, and loved unconditionally. He was perhaps one of the biggest Boston Red Sox fans, always cheering them on and never missing a game, whether they were having a winning or a losing season.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Carroll Leeman, Paul Leeman and wife Norma, Keith Leeman, and Wayne Leeman; and grandson, Timothy Craig Leeman.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ruth (Sykes) Leeman; children, Craig Leeman and wife Donna of New Harbor, and Sherry Sigler and husband Clell of Bristol; grandchildren, Becky Hatch Butler, Sandy Hatch Powell, Dana Hatch II, Christopher Leeman, Patrick Leeman, and Michael Sigler; 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Irene Leeman and Georgia Leeman.
He will be laid to rest in the Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond, where a private graveside service will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion Wells-Hussey Post 42, PO Box 268, Damariscotta, ME 04543 in his memory.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
