Merritt A. Webster

Merritt A. Webster

Saco, Maine

Merritt A. Webster, 81, of Saco, passed away at home and into the arms of Jesus, on January 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 14, 1944, in Hartland, Maine, the only son of Ashley and Ruby (Dunfee) Webster. Merritt was a devout Christian and longed for everyone to know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Merritt was educated in the Lincoln, Maine school system and graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in 1962. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees, along with a certificate of advanced study in guidance counseling, from the University of Maine at Orono. He began his career as a teacher before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Vietnam War era, stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1969.

After returning to teaching, Merritt married his first wife, Ruth Hornbeck, in 1976. They settled in Lee, Maine, where he began both his family life and his guidance counseling career at Lee Academy. He later continued his military service in the Air Force, serving as a military guidance counselor at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Merritt was promoted to Education Services Officer (ESO), taking a position at RAF Greenham Common in England. The family lived in England for four years, a time he especially cherished.

In 1988, the family returned to the United States, where Merritt served as an ESO at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana. In 1989, they returned to Lincoln, Maine, and Merritt worked as a guidance counselor and administrator at the vocational school. He also served in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant (E8) in the late 1990s. In his post military and education working career, Merritt was a counselor and psychotherapist.

In 2006, Merritt married his second wife, Helen Haughwout, and they settled in Cushing, Maine, where they lived on the water and enjoyed boating and gardening. They later moved to Atlantic Heights in Saco, Maine, where they quickly connected with the community. Merritt enjoyed swimming, daily walks, and participating in the men's group. He was a faithful member of Saco Bay Community Church, which became a second family to him. Merritt and Helen often welcomed visitors into their home for meals and fellowship. Merritt enjoyed wood working and was known by his family and friends as a Master Gardener.

Most of all, Merritt loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by many.

Merritt is predeceased by his sister, Carol Lobley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Webster; by his daughter, Katrina Marie Webster; by his two sons, Merritt Aaron Webster and wife Andrea, and Nathan Andrew Webster; by four grandchildren, Emma, Nathaniel, Liam and Robert Webster; by his sister Mary Seeley and as well as by several nephews; by his stepson Mark Haughwout, by his stepdaughters Victoria Scott and Kerry Dean, and their children.

A Funeral Service, with Military Honors, will take place at 11am on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Saco Bay Community Church, 146 Ferry Road, Saco.

A private burial will take place at a later date in Castine, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Merritt in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Saco Bay Community Church. Link: www.sacobaycc.org/give

Flowers intended for the January 31st Funeral Service can be sent to Cote Funeral Home, 87 James Street, Saco, ME.