BRUNSWICK – Ernest “Ernie” R. Merry Jr., 89, of Brunswick and formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2021, following a brief illness.Ernest was born on July 23, 1931, in Berre, Mass., to Ernest R. Merry Sr and Edna (Post) Merry. At the young age of four his family moved to Cornville, ME. He attended local schools and Skowhegan High School. In 1948 he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to an engineering unit building air bases in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and England during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 at the rank of Corporal.Ernest worked on the family farm and in the woods. In 1960 he went to work for North Anson Reel Co. where he worked for sixteen years. He then went to work for Madison Paper Co. until his retirement at the end of 1993. In retirement he would travel the county fair circuit as a proud member of the Maine Antique Power Association. He was an avid model antique car collector and found particular joy in driving his 1954 Chevy Pickup in local parades.Ernest enjoyed being in the outdoors. He found pleasure in family camping trips, as well as hunting and fishing. While never landing the big one, he always enjoyed the sport of it. He was a proud Korean War Vet and lifetime member of American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, where he enjoyed spending time with fellow veterans. He was extremely thrilled to have participated in Honor Flight Maine in 2019. He was quick witted, always joking. Nothing brought more pleasure however then spending time with his family.Ernest is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Edna Merry Sr., his siblings, Alice Chapman, Edward Merry, Frances Merry and Robert Merry Sr. and an infant son, Earl Merry; his wife, Jo-Anne (Hayden) Merry, and his former wife, Beverly (Waye) Merry. He is survived by his children; Cheryll Merry of Norridgewock, Joel Merry (Donna) of West Bath, Christopher Merry of Norridgewock, Jodi Merry (Chris Plourde) of Madison, and Laurie Merry (Rob Savage) of Madison; grandchildren, Jennifer (Erik) Iverson of Newcastle, Jonathan (Jennifer) Merry of Jefferson, Cassie Allen of Norridgewock, Kiley Plourde of Madison, Joseph (Mikaela) Foss of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kayla Plourde of Madison, Joshua Savage of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Jarek Savage of Madison; four great-grandchildren, Jakob and Gunnar Iverson, Freyja Merry and Wesley Kane, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins along with his many close friends.The family would like to thank Coastal Shores Assisted Living in Brunswick for providing good care and friendship over the last three years.A graveside service with military honors will be held at noon on Friday, July 30, 2021, at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, for family and friends. A celebration of life and reception will be held immediately following at the American Legion Tardiff-Belanger Post 39, 20 Maple Street, Madison.Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernest’s name to the charity of your choice.