Derry, NH

Wayne Stanley Merrill, 78, a resident of Derry, NH, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Linda (Foster/Chaffee) with whom he enjoyed 30 years that included many long drives throughout the countryside, regularly visiting their favorite local restaurants where they would often be welcomed by name.

Wayne was born in Rochester, NH on September 9,1943, the son of the late E. Stanley Merrill and the late Alice E. (Amazeen) Merrill.

Over the course of his 35 years of employment with Millipore Corporation as an R&D engineer, he was an integral part of the company's advancement in the biopharmaceutical industry. His innovative contributions led directly to many of the company's patented products that are still being used today. Not only was he an engineer, innovator, and inventor, Wayne's true passion was being a commercial truck driver. After his regular work week, he always looked forward to his weekend runs transporting loads throughout the region. After his retirement from Millipore, he continued to make weekly runs hauling gas tankers for JP Noonan. He always found his solace on the road and always said that is where he got his "best thinking" done.

Wayne loved spending time with his wife and kids planning road trips to amusement parks, county fairs, or just a drive to enjoy a meal at a homestyle restaurant with a family member. At home, he relaxed by watching NASCAR races, sketching out new ideas, and even rebuilding old trucks in his driveway, all while drinking coffee and listening to country music. Above all, Wayne loved his large and growing family.

In addition to his wife Linda, Wayne is survived by his children - Alan Merrill and his wife Kathie (Brown) Merrill of Farmington, NH; William (Bill) Merrill and his fiance Theresa (Terry) Jones of Middleton, NH; Julie (Merrill) Lord and her husband Chad Lord of Littleton, MA; Christopher Merrill and his wife Trisha (Raymond) Merrill of Yarmouth, ME; Katelyn (Merrill) Gonyer of Mansfield, MA and his stepchildren -  Lauren (Chaffee) Hudson and her husband Jonathan Hudson of Greenland, NH; Ryan Chaffee and his wife Kimberly (Kypriotes) Chaffee of Londonderry, NH and his grandchildren - Jacob, Brandi, Emily, Hannah, Vianne, Lylah, Colin, Jenna, Sadie, Charleigh, Cole, Olivia, and Easton and great grandchild, Levi.

Wayne is predeceased by four of his brothers: Warren, David, Timothy, and Glenn Merrill. He is survived by his siblings - Lois Drew, Beth Merrill, Gayle Joy, Jean Brown, Richard Merrill, Steven Merrill and Nancy Lepene. Wayne also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

A family gathering to celebrate Wayne's life is being planned. Family and close friends are welcome, cowboy boots encouraged. Information will be shared by the family.

Interment will be held privately with the family. A service date is yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) https://truckersfund.org

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com