Rev. Merle E. Spring, 74, died Sunday surrounded by his family.He was the husband of the former Jeanette (Quigg) for 52 years. They were married 6/23/51 in Sanford, ME.
Rev. Spring graduated from Sanford High School in 1947. He attended Bowdoin College and Gorham State Teachers College. He was also a graduate of Colgate Rochester Seminary. He was pastor of the Old Mystic Baptist Church for over 30 years and most recently a pastor of Winthrop Baptist Church in Deep River for approximately 3 years. He started his career as a jet fighter pilot and later flew jet bombers for SAC for 12 years.
He was a member of the Kiwanis, SUNL, American legion, Family Services, SCADD and many other service organizations. He enjoyed his family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping and golf.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Gary Spring and his wife Sarah of Durham, ME, a daughter, Debby Dutton of Mystic, a daughter Kathy Adkins and her husband Tim of Waterford, 5 grandchildren, Jessie & Matthew Bastide of ME, Sean Adkins of Waterford, and Melissa & Andrew Dutton of Stonington. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rachael K. Adkins.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Old Mystic Baptist Church, Shewville Rd, Old Mystic on Saturday at 11am. Donations may be made to the OMBC Memorial Garden (Perpetual Care Fund), c/o Kathy Adkins, 12 Mullen Hill Rd, Waterford 06385.
The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic is assisting the family. For complete obituary information, or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.