Merle A. Crooker

HAMPDEN - Merle Alwyn Crooker, 83, passed away peacefully July 3, 2010, at a Bangor health care facility. Merle was born April 21, 1927, in Hampden, to the late Maynard and Lillian (Lane) Crooker. Merle was an active and lifelong resident of Hampden. He spent many hours volunteering his time as a Cub Scout master, leader of the 4-H Club, was an assistant Little League coach, dispatched for Hampden Fire Department, as well as worked as an ambulance driver, and he was the local director of civil defense and public safety. He worked for many years as the transfer station attendant and started Hampden Youth Center, which evolved into Hampden Rec. Arena. Merle was an active member of Ellingwood's Corner United Methodist Church, and a 14-time master of the Eastern Star Grange No. 1, Hampden. He was also active in the state and national granges, and a past grand Nobel of the I.O.O.F. Merle retired as a clerk from Maine Central Railroad after 30 years of service. Merle will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend and active community member. Merle is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen B. (Atkinson) Crooker of Hampden; sons and their wives, Brian Crooker and Wanda Weber of Minnesota, Larry and Marcia Crooker, Roger and Kathy Crooker, Scott and Kimberly Crooker, all of Hampden, and Randy and Melissa Crooker of East Corinth; daughters and their husbands, Joyce and John Cummings of Stacyville, Norma and Deane Shaw of Bangor, Faith and Richard Baker of Texas, and Janet and Thomas Sawyer of Hermon; brother, Carl Crooker and wife, Rowena; sister, Geraldine Clement and husband, Donald, of Kansas; 29 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Merle was predeceased by his sisters, Dora Rancourt and Nellie Cunningham; and brothers, Bernard, Linwood and Roland Family and friends may visit 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A memorial service celebrating Merle's life will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Ellingwood's Corner United Methodist Church, 796 Lebanon Road, Winterport, with the Rev. Kate Nicol officiating. Interment will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden. Memorial gifts may be made in Merle's memory, care of Helen Crooker, 285 Main Road S., Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilparick.com. <>