Merton A. Vining

TURNER – Merton A. Vining, 73, of Turner, passed away on Aug. 10, 2023, after a long illness. He was born in Portland Maine on Sept. 22, 1949, to Ralph (Buster) and Pearl (Hirst) Vining.

Mert grew up on a farm in Otisfield Maine and attended the local Baptist church. He had many fond memories of his time there. He learned to play the violin. He was in 4-H, where, amongst other skills, they taught him how to sew. This was a skill that came in handy later in his life; he sewed on all his military patches on his uniforms, and he made two beautiful needlepoint Indian Head pictures for his wife that still hang in their living room.

He was educated in local schools, graduating from Oxford Hills High School in 1967. He then went on to CMVTI in Auburn, earning an associate degree in machine tool technology in 1969.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1969 and eventually changed to the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of the 619th Transportation Company in Auburn. He was a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. His unit was activated to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990. He retired from the service in 1991.

He worked at several companies and retired from Nichols Portland in 2014 where he was a tool and die maker.

He and his wife of 33 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Thurston) Vining, built their own beautiful log home in Turner and enjoyed many vacation cruises and trips to various locations. They traveled several times to Maryland to visit the grandchildren. They also enjoyed spending time on Bailey Island, Maine.

Mert’s hobbies also included model railroading, woodworking, coin and stamp collecting, and gardening. He and Peggy loved their cats and dogs.

He is survived by his devoted wife Peggy; a sister Marian (Doug) Spalding, a brother Don Vining, daughters, Kelly J. Vining and husband Kevin Ronkko, and Melissa S. (Walt) Stundick; grandchildren, Taylor and Brady Stundick, sisters-in-law, Barbara Fisher and Nancy (Reginald) Pomeroy, nieces and nephews and grandnephews and a grandniece. He was predeceased by his parents.

Burial will be at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Auburn, for immediate family only. Graveside service will be officiated by Reverend Allison Vanderlinden. There will be no visiting hours or Celebration of Life, at Mert’s request.

In lieu of flowers, please donate online in Mert’s memory to Wounded Warriors Project.org

or mail to them at

PO Box 758516

Topeka, KS 66675