Merrill R. Yeaw

Merrill R. Yeaw, 76, of West Chesterfield, NH, died unexpectedly at his home Monday. He was born on September 4, 1941 in Brattleboro, son of Warren and Eva (Cooke) Yeaw, and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School with the class of 1960. A veteran of the United States Army, Merrill served three years and had been stationed in France. His wife of 36 years, Linda L. (Ashworth) Yeaw, died in 2001.

Mr. Yeaw was employed as a mechanic at Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant for 27 years, retiring in 2000. He served as the Forest Fire Warden in Chesterfield, and was former fire chief in West Chesterfield for several years. For the past ten years, Merrill drove the Veteran's Van, transporting veterans to and from the VA Hospital in White River Junction for appointments. He also served as vice president of the New Hampshire State Federation of Forest Fire Warden Associations. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include his son, Robert Yeaw and his wife Heidi of West Chesterfield; a daughter, Denise Beckwith and her husband, Floyd of Chesapeake, Virginia; a sister, Arlene Blum of Guilford, VT; his significant other, Janice Baker of Vernon, VT; two granddaughters, Allison and Megan Yeaw; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 7 brothers and sisters.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the Ker Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium, 57 High Street, Brattleboro, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. A reception will follow at the Eagles Club, 54 Chickering Drive in Brattleboro. Burial will be in Chesterfield West Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in Merrill's memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans Van Fund, 215 North Main St., White River Junction, VT 05009.