Windsor, VT - Duane Russell Merrill, (84) of Brook Road, Windsor, Vermont, was at home when he peacefully passed from this world on Friday, September 8, 2017 after many years of living with COPD.

He was born on December 26, 1932, the son of Ruth (Wyman) and Hiram Powers Merrill (Colston). He and his sisters grew up in Plainfield, NH. The family moved to Windsor, VT where he worked as a janitor at the old Windsor High School; taxi cab driver, utility man for 35 years at Cone Automatic, where he earned the nicknamed "Popcorn" and janitor at Green Mountain Marble both in Windsor, Vermont.

Known by nieces and nephews as "Uncle Bub", he enjoyed seeing them grow up and have kids of their own and he was extremely proud of his children. He could be seen in Windsor daily: sitting in his car on Main Street to visit with friends in front of the post office or in front of the bank; filling up with gas at "Brownies" and visiting his sister, Lorraine and niece, Sandy. On weekends, he enjoyed visiting with close friends and family.

Duane was predeceased by his parents, three sisters, Arlene Fadden, Alice Reynolds, both of Windsor, Lorraine Shambo of Cornish, NH-his best friend; his former wife, Judy Osgood, the "love of his life"; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Duane is survived by his son, Gary R. Merrill, Sr. and his former wife, Lazzel Plaster of Windsor; his daughter, Debra J. Carter and her husband Nick of Hartland; Scott Merrill and his wife Dustin of Windsor; grandchildren Gary R. Merrill, Jr. of Claremont, NH, Ashley Merrill Stoodley of New Hampshire; Taylor Carter of Hartland, Joshua Carter of Myrtle Beach, SC; Alexianna and Marrissa Merrill of Windsor; great-grand son Tristen James Merrill and great-granddaughter Lazzel Lynn Debra Merrill, both of Windsor; nieces and nephews and grand-dog Oliver Carter who made him smile daily.

The family would like to express a sincere "Thank Yous" to the ladies at Peoples United Bank, staff at Mount Ascutney Hospital and Windsor Ambulance Service for their patience and assistance over the years, Meals on Wheels in the past few weeks and extreme gratitude for the urgent, caring services of "Maureen" with Bayada Hospice Care.

At his request, there will be no calling hours. His family would like his memory reflected in this: "There is no grave that can hold my body down; therefore, if you must bury something, let it be my faults; my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man. Give my sins to the devil; give my soul to God and if, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all this, I will live forever. Mr. R. Best.

His children will have an informal gathering for a time of reflection and remembrance of him and his life at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to Bayada Hospice, Norwich, VT or Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook at ww.knightfuneralhomes.com

The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT has been entrusted with arrangements.