David Merle Wilbur

Ebeemee, Harmony, and Frankfort –David Merle Wilbur, 65, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025. He was born April 9th, 1960, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Merle Sydney Wilbur and Dorothy Irene Herrick Spence Wilbur. The only boy and the fourth of five children, David held a special place in his mother's heart. She often said she was grateful to have just one son, because no other could compare to her David.

As a boy, he loved gunslinging westerns, his BB gun, and anything with wheels. He bought the first of many cars at just twelve years old. Through his teens and into adulthood, cars remained a passion-one he eventually returned to in retirement, restoring a beautiful orange Scout to its former glory.

David was a devoted outdoorsman, known for his love of hunting, fishing, ice fishing, boating, and snowmobile racing. His competitive spirit and deep connection to the Maine woods shaped much of who he was.

David's first love was Shelly. They were two kids from the small town of Harmony, ready to take on the world together. Across 42 years, they remodeled three houses and built one from the ground up. After years of working for others, they decided to take a leap together. David quit his job just weeks before Christmas, and by February 1st, 2001, they opened their own business-Winterport Discount Mattress & Furniture-which remains a well-known, family-owned and operated store.

David had the heart of a tinkerer. Whether working on cars or improving a home, he always had a project to dream up and dive into. A jack of all trades, he approached every task as if nothing was beyond his reach.

Despite losing his father at the tender age of six years old, David became a man defined by the love he gave as a father and grandfather. He cherished the titles Dad, Pops, Poppy, and Pop-Pop, and found his deepest joy in his children and grandchildren.

In retirement, he found peace at Ebeemee Lake. He loved boating, fishing, and ending the day with a sunset alongside his companion, Wendy Van Dine.

David is survived by his children, Jordan Ritter and husband Chris Ritter, and Hunter Wilbur and wife Rachael Wardwell. Poppy will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren: Asher, Baxter, Luna, Aubrey, Nora, and Silas. He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Shelly Wilbur, with whom he remained close; his sisters, Sheilah Conceison, Pamela Spence, and Lynda Rowell; his bonus sister, Anneliese Craig; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Merle Wilbur; his beloved sister, Laurie Stewart; and his niece, Heidi Rowell.

Family and friends are invited to call 11AM Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, until time of funeral service at 12 Noon, at the Lary Funeral Home, 62 Summer Street, Dover-Foxcroft. Burial will be in the family lot in the Sugar Hill Cemetery in Harmony. All are invited to continue to celebrate David's life after the services at the Somerset Pour House, 416 Oxbow Road, Palmyra. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.