VASSALBORO – My husband, best friend, and love of my life, John R. DeMerchant, 81, passed peacefully on July 25, 2021, at Woodlands Senior Living facility in Waterville, after a lengthy illness.John was born on Nov. 3, 1939, in Ft. Fairfield, Maine, the son of Ralph and Lillian DeMerchant. He attended local schools, and during high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving two years in the Reserves. Following graduation from Cony High School, he proudly served four more years of active duty in the Marine Corps.During his lifetime, he was employed by Augusta Supply Co., Sears Roebuck Co. and retired from Shaw’s Supermarkets.John was a member of the National Rifle Association, American Legion and Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. He enjoyed hunting and fishing but especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very loved.He loved dogs and had many, but his favorite was his chocolate Lab, Moses.John was predeceased by his father, Ralph DeMerchant, mother, Lillian DeMerchant Masse, stepfather, George Masse, grandparents, Joseph and Euphemie Gorneau, and John B. and Ella Mae DeMerchant, his infant sister, Joanne, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Delores (Beane) DeMerchant; three children: two sons. John R. DeMerchant II and wife Cathy; Joel R. DeMerchant and wife Jennifer; and daughter, Julie A. DeMerchant; five grandchildren: John R. DeMerchant III and wife Alyssa, Joshua Carrier and partner Kailee Nickerson, Logan P. DeMerchant, Leah J. DeMerchant, and Nicole A. DeMerchant; two great-grandsons, John R. DeMerchant IV and Colton T. DeMerchant; one brother, Terry L. DeMerchant and wife Bonnie; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.The family would especially like to express their thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at Woodlands Senior Living Memory Care facility in Waterville; and Beacon Hospice Services for their care, comfort and kindness during his illness.There are no public visiting hours scheduled. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. Burial with military honors will be at Noon at the niche wall in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

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