Paul E. Merrifield

Paul E. Merrifield, 90, of Shapleigh, died on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the H.D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford.Paul was born in Springvale on December 31, 1922 to Charles and Carrie (Paul) Merrifield. He grew up in Springvale where he attended local schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1940. After high school Paul Attended Colby College in Waterville. Before he finished college he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served as a pilot. In 1944 he married Marilyn Bowen. Together they raised four children and shared nearly 50 years of marriage until her death in 1994. After completing his enlistment in the military, Paul returned to Colby College where he completed his bachelor's degree. He went on to attend Rice University in Houston, Texas where he completed his master's degree and his doctorate in philosophy. In 1952 Paul began working as a chemist at Armstrong Corporation in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Eventually he transferred to the Fulton, New York plant where stayed until he retired in 1981 as the assistant plant manager. After he retired, Paul and his wife returned to Maine and settled into their home on Square Pond in Shapleigh.Paul was a long time member of the Masonic lodge in Sanford. He enjoyed playing tennis and was a music lover, playing both the piano and the organ. He could often be found taking his boat out and cruising around Square Pond. He will be remembered as a kind and loving man who was devoted to his family and will be dearly missed.Paul was predeceased by a grandson, Michael Lawrence.Surviving are four children, Captain Richard Merrifield and his wife Emily of LeMoore, California, Thomas Merrifield and his wife Mary of Olivette, Missouri, Janice Downs of Shapleigh and Paula Lawrence and her husband Jerry of Simpsonville, South Carolina; six grandchildren, John Merrifield, Lynn Merrifield, Gregory Merrifield, Andrew Merrifield, Jason Downs and Brian Lawrence and three great grandchildren, Sarah Merrifield, Emily Merrifield and Rayleigh Downs.Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a funeral service following at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 21st at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Springvale.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Sanford First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 250, Sanford, Maine 04073.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit click on the Condolences tab at left.