Merton C. Loomis

ABINGTON Merton C. "Duke" Loomis, 83, died Saturday, October 11. He was the beloved husband for 62 years of Elizabeth (Ward) Loomis. Born and raised in Abington, where he remained a lifelong resident, he was the son of the late Chester and Mertie (Bates) Loomis and a graduate of Abington High School Class of 1942. Duke was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served two years in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a member of the Navy Seabees, a battalion charged with the building of airfields and landing facilities. He was a member of the VFW Post 5737 and American Legion Post 1012, both of Abington. He worked as a warehouse supervisor for Hendries Ice Cream of Milton for 36 years before his retirement. He was an avid reader. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Kenneth Loomis and his wife Helen of Hingham, Geoffrey Loomis and his wife Donna of Marshfield and Alan Loomis and his wife Susan of East Bridgewater and his five grandchildren Elizabeth Kenney, Kasey, Jesselee, David and Geoffrey. He was the brother of the late Muriel Gillespie. His Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the Rotary), Whitman. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Abington. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, October 15 from 4-8 p.m. Donations in his name may be made to the Special Olympics, 450 Maple Street / Building One, Danvers, MA 01923. For online condolences and directions, visit www.blanchardfc.com.