Alton J. Perry

    PRESQUE ISLE- Alton J. Perry, 84, passed away on March 12, 2008, at a Mars Hill Health-Care Facility. He was born December 2, 1923, in Presque Isle, son of James and Lila (Coffey) Perry.     He graduated from Presque Isle High School in 1941 and attended the University of Maine at Orono, class of 1945, where he was a member of Phi Eta Kappa. Alton farmed with his father for many years eventually farming on his own, and later with his son Alan. During his farming years he was involved in many agricultural organizations including the Future Farmers of America where he received the American Farmer Degree; he was president of the Young Farmers Association; President of Presque Isle Growers; Vice President of Maine Potato Growers. He was a Maine State Farmer and Scout master of Troop 171 for 13 years during which time he received the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, trustee and Lay Leader for many years. On retiring from farming, he worked for SAD #1 for 22 years. He also worked with his family in Plantcrafters and with his wife in Greensleeves, installing and maintaining plants in various businesses in the area, and was familiar at MBNA, Maine Mutual Insurance Company and at the Aroostook Center Mall for 13 years. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Elmer.
    He is survived by his wife, Jeri (Goodine) Perry and his sons, Larry and Alan Perry all of Presque Isle. He is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Freda Nevers of Oakfield, several nieces and nephews, and special friends, Arnold and Ruth Coffey of Bangor, Myron and Polly Gartley of Presque Isle, Stanley Thomas of Moscow, Idaho and Gary Zettergren of Mars Hill.
    At his request there will be no visiting hours. A private graveside service will be held later in the spring.