AUGUSTA -- Frederick S. Merrick Jr., 83, of Augusta, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the Augusta Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Augusta, July 27, 1928, the son of Frederick S. Sr. and Josephine (Miller) Merrick. Fred was self employed as a painter, carpenter and contractor. He and his wife of 65 years, Lucille (Lageux), also raised and sold registered quarter horses, including the state of Maine Grand Champion. Fred and Lucille enjoyed traveling and spent several winters in Florida. Fred was predeceased by his daughter, Pamela Merrick Morrill; his brother, Floyd Merrick; and sister Isabelle Hamilton. He is survived by his wife, Lucille; two sons, Thomas Merrick, and his wife, Ruth, of Chelsea, and Joseph Merrick, of Augusta; a brother, Ben Merrick, of Augusta; a sister, Dorothy Merrick, of Augusta; four grandchildren, Jennifer Linton Lipton, Jonathan Merrick, Sarah Morrill and her husband, Robert Cocchiaro, and Kimberly Merrick; one great-granddaughter, Juliette Cocchario; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Fred's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. Spring burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Condolences, memories, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.