FARMINGTON — Ellsworth Merle Crocker, 79, died on June 28, at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center with his loving family by his side.

He was born Nov. 11, 1933, in Industry, the son of Erald Milton and Mary Lucille (Smith) Crocker. He attended grade school in Industry, graduated from Phillips High School, Class of 1951, and Farmington State Teachers College, Class of 1955.

On June 13, 1954, he married Carmen Rowell at the Methodist Church in Strong. Ellsworth taught school in Augusta, Strong and in Farmington SAD 9, where he spent most of his career teaching French at Mt. Blue High School.

After his retirement in 1989, he worked a few years as a greeter at Walmart. He was past master and organist for Maine Lodge 20 now located in East Wilton. For 49 years, he was an active member of the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir for even longer and served on several committees.

Ellsworth was a very talented musician and played piano for many amateur variety shows, as well as playing the trumpet and flute in Army bands. He loved to go fly-fishing, skiing, and hiking in his younger days. He also enjoyed playing bridge with his friends, spending time with his family and traveling, especially to France.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carmen of Farmington; three daughters, Deborah Wheeler and husband, Geary, of New Sharon, Marie Mason and husband, Richard, of Anson and Susan Warren and husband, Jeffery, of Ellicott City, Md.; his stepbrother, Dana Dill and wife, Jesse, of New Sharon; eight granddaughters, Laura Savage and husband, Aaron, of New Sharon, Heidi Grindahl and husband, Nathanael, of Jackman, Molly Wheeler of New Sharon, Amy Roberts and husband, Peter, Heather Wheeler of New Sharon, Katrina Mason of Anson and Sarah and Anne Warren of Ellicott City, Md.; two grandsons, Scott Mason of Anson and Russell Wheeler of New Sharon; one great-granddaughter, Astrid Grindahl of Jackman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; an infant brother; his sister and brother in-law, Jean and Laurence Voter; and his nephew, Delmar Voter.