Donald H. DeMerchant

Donald Herbert "Papa Don" DeMerchant, 82, died peacefully on September 27, 2025 at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Caribou, May 2, 1943 the son of the late Elray and Ruth (Curless) DeMerchant. Donald attended Caribou schools and was a lifelong member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church. On January 9, 1965 Donald married the love of his life Brenda(Belmain) DeMerchant. He and Brenda adopted their first daughter, Holli in 1974, when she was two days old; their second daughter, Nicole was born in 1982. Donald provided for his family as a truck driver for his father's coal business, Elray A. DeMerchant and Sons Coal, and for several other area businesses. He retired from Sysco in the early 2000s. After retirement Donald's love for driving trucks compelled him to help out Turner Farms and Shaw Farms during Harvest time. Donald joined the Caribou Civil Defense Auxiliary Fire Department in 1961, in 1966 he became a full-time member of the department. Following an injury in 1967, he returned to the volunteer ranks earning the rank of Chief of the Caribou Civil Defense Auxiliary Fire Department in 1972. When the auxiliary department transitioned to the Caribou Volunteer Fire Department, Don stayed active retiring as Captain after 25 years of service. Donald truly loved watching his five grandchildren grow and had hoped to see them start families of their own. He will be forever loved and remembered for his witty sense of humor, dedication and commitment to his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Brenda (Belmain) DeMerchant in 2006. He is survived by two daughters, Holli Doody and husband Matt, and Nicole Fox and partner Joshua Ormsby all of Caribou, his 5 grandchildren, Justin Doody, Jared Doody and wife Natalie, Jaelynn Doody, Ryleigh Fox and Brenna Fox, his bonus grandchildren Walter and Ada Ormsby, his siblings, David DeMerchant of Caribou, Diana Adamson of Caribou, and Bette Olson of Crouseville.

The Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Cary Medical Center and the Aroostook House of Comfort on Papa Don's behalf. Donations can be made in his memory to the Aroostook House of Comfort.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 12 Noon until time of services which will be held from the chapel of the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, at 1PM with Pastor Ben Daggett officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. A time of continued fellowship and refreshments will be held at the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church.