Merrill Howard Davis

Merrill was born to Merrill R. and Evelyn M. (Mathieu) Davis in Greenfield on October, 29th, 1942. He graduated from Turners Falls High School and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He honorably served his country with pride as a member of the National Guard. He was devoted to his wife, Fran, and together they shared over 60 years of marriage.

Before making the dream of owning their own business a reality, Merrill and Fran both worked as floral designers for competing florists. Together, they took a leap of faith, leaving their jobs and home behind, and moving to West Barnstable with their two young children, Jennifer and John.

There, they purchased an old hay barn, built around 1790, and transformed it into both their home and their business. That barn became The Whippletree, a beloved shop filled with primitive country antiques, dried flowers, and distinctive gifts. For nearly 50 years, it was not simply a business, it was: the family home, Merrill’s workshop, a gathering place, and the heart of the dream that Merrill and Fran built together.

Merrill was a true artist and craftsman. He was especially gifted at carving, most notably birds and pumpkins, his favorite symbol of his beloved fall season.

For many years Merrill was also an avid train enthusiast. In the loft of the old barn, he built a massive train layout, a testament to his patience and attention to detail.

Merrill’s life was rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, family, and the courage to follow a dream. Anyone who knew Merrill knew him to move through life with humor and kindness.

Merrill is predeceased by his sister, Ann Davis, his nephews Tom Lambert and Patrick Davis, and his good friends Bill Hendel and Bill Sullivan.

Merrill is survived by his wife Fran; by his brother John and wife Suzanne; daughter Jen Medeiros and her husband Joe; son John Davis and his wife Rebecca; his grandchildren Angela and husband Zak, Nathan and fiancée Stephanie, Caitlyn, and Christian; and his nieces and nephews.

Merrill also leaves behind his group of dear friends: Peter and Nancy Fisk, Sandy and Fay Gunn, Stephanie Sullivan, and Neil and Sue Boon.

A funeral Mass and burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 11 AM at Our Lady of Hope Chapel, 1581 Main Street (Route 6A), West Barnstable, MA 02668.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Preserving Hope, Restoring Our Lady of Hope Chapel, olvparish.org/hope or to WBFRA, West Barnstable Firefighters Relief Organization, P.O. Box 995, West Barnstable, MA 02668