WASHINGTON — Merrill R. Hutchins, 80, passed away peacefully Jan. 19, 2014 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was born in Jefferson June 15, 1933, to Arthur Hutchins and Mildred Hunt.

Merrill grew up in Jefferson and attended local schools there. In 1964, he moved to Washington with his wife, Kathrine.

He was a farmer throughout all of his life and raised many animals, including hens, chickens and cows. He enjoyed haying and driving tractors around his farm. He liked watching old Western movies and TV, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Merrill was a member of the Union Nazarene Church, and would have been a 50-year member of the Meenagha Grange in May of 2014.

Merrill was a gentle man with a kind heart and a caring disposition. He was a source of great comfort to those who knew him.

Merrill was predeceased by his brothers, Kenneth, Ralph and Harlan Hutchins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kathrine Hutchins; his daughters, Linda Anderson of Anchorage, Alaska, Darlene Hutchins of Washington and April Vernesoni and her husband, Harry, of Washington; his grandchildren, Klarrisa and Samantha Vernesoni of Washington, Buck Bickford of Waldoboro and Ben and Blade Bickford of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Merrill's life will be held Saturday, May 17. More information to follow.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, 477 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101.

Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro is caring for the family.