GORHAM & WESLEY- Merton William Bunker, Sr. of Gorham and Wesley, passed away on Sunday, January 30 in Scarborough Gosnell House at the age of 87.
He was born on September 13,1934 in Ellsworth, Maine to Samuel Bunker and Blanche Ida (Chamberlain) and grew up in the area. He briefly served in the Maine National Guard but spent most of his career as a brick and stone mason, having left his mark on hundreds of buildings across the state. Merton also spent several years pursuing his true passion as a commercial fisherman. He was also a proud member of the Rising Star Lodge #4 (Masons) in Penobscot, ME and Anah Shriners in Bangor, ME.
Following his retirement, he and his wife spent their time traveling, spending winters in Florida and several summer trips to Newfoundland. Priscilla and Merton spent many summers entertaining family and friends at their camp on Third Chain Lake. Merton was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Priscilla, who passed in 2014.
Merton is survived by his daughters Sheila Smith (Shawn) of Liberty Center, Ohio and Faith Gammon (Dana) of Parsonsfield, ME; sons Merton Bunker, Jr. (Joan), of Stafford, Virginia and Duane Bunker (Sharon) of Gorham, Maine; five grandchildren, Leon Bunker (Melissa); Rebecca (Bunker) Ritenour (Lucas); Eric Bunker (Melissa); Allison Bunker and Brian Bunker; and three great grandchildren, Talison Bunker, Kiara Bunker and Amelia Ritenour. Also surviving are his nieces Susan Waite of Trenton, ME; Constance Severance of Corinth, ME, and nephew Jan Michael Ryan of Franklin, ME; nephew Ricky Bunker (Vicki) of Conway, SC; Vicki (Bunker) Rabon (Erroll) of Anyor, SC and other extended family members. A private service will be held June 18th at his camp on Third Chain Lake.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center. We would also like to thank the Northern Lights Hospice team and Gosnell House for all their support in Merton’s final months
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com