Obituary of William Herbert Dunham

MILO – William Herbert “Herby” Dunham, 91, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, died peacefully in his sleep January 12, 2018 at Hilltop Manor, Dover Foxcroft, Me.  Herby was born May 25, 1926, in Derby, son of the late Edmund and Annie (McIntyre) Dunham.  Herby graduated from Milo High School in 1943.  After graduating high school, he went to work for the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad in July 1943.  In July 1944 he joined the Merchant Marines and served until October 1945, visiting many ports in Africa and the Middle East.  In 1948, he married his beloved wife Merna and shared 63 blessed years of marriage.  Herby was involved in many community activities, including a lifetime membership with Pleasant River Grange serving as Master; member of Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion; served as a member and past president of the Three Rivers Kiwanis; served on the Milo Board of Selectmen and the Milo Planning Board; served on the Milo Farmers’ Union Board of Directors; and was the Milo-area representative of the Salvation Army.  Herby was a very active member of the Park Street United Methodist Church serving as Chair of the Administrative Council and Board of Trustees.  Herby and Merna were devoted members of the church, helping in any way they could.  Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Many memories were made at the camp in Barnard Twp - from the time he was a child with his family, and later in life, with his brothers Gene and Wayne, nephew Billy, son Gary, grandson Steven, and great-grandson Zachary.  In 1952, Herby built the family camp at Boyd Lake, which has resulted in many happy memories for the entire family.  Herby also enjoyed bowling on various teams, and always loved being surrounded by his family.  During retirement, Herby and Merna enjoyed traveling with family and friends; especially noting trips to Prince Edward Island with Melanie, Bob, and family; winters in Myrtle Beach; the trip to Europe with Gary and Debbie; and trips to Pennsylvania to visit Kathie, Roland, and family.  He enjoyed playing golf and working in his machine shop with his son Gary.

Herby is survived by his sister, Margaret (Dunham) Hoxie, and his brother Paul (Wayne) Dunham; three children, Melanie Hussey and husband Bob, Gary Dunham and wife Debbie, and Kathie Larrabee and husband Roland; seven grandchildren, Steven, Christopher, Beth, Melissa, Justin, Kevin and Alex; 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.  Herby had many friends including close friend Eben DeWitt.  He is predeceased by his brother Eugene “Gene” Dunham and his sister Evelyn Dunham. 

The family would like to recognize and express sincere gratitude to the staff of Hilltop Manor and Beacon Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care over the last several months. 

Funeral services will be held in the spring celebrating Herby’s life on May 25^th at 1pm at the Park Street United Methodist Church.  There will be no visiting hours, however the family will share memories and receive friends at a time of fellowship and refreshments after the service. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Park St UMC Memorial Fund, PO Box 116, Milo, Me, 04463.  Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Milo. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.