Raymond “Ray” Alton Baston

    Baston, Raymond A., 82, August 6, 2012.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home.  Interment to be held in the New Limerick Cemetery.
    NEW LIMERICK – Raymond “Ray” Alton Baston, 82, died Aug. 6, 2012, in Houlton. He was born May 3, 1930, in Oakfield, the youngest son of Harry and Nettie (Curry) Baston.
    Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the age of 17, after his mom had passed away and his dad moved to Lincoln to live with his daughter after falling ill. Before entering the military, he worked many jobs – one was working for a farmer, Eugene and Flora Smith of New Limerick. It was there he met their daughter, Norma Jeanne, and later married her. Ray later changed from the Army to the Air Force and was stationed in Mississippi, Texas, Japan, Delaware, Spain and New Hampshire. He served his country in Vietnam and retired in 1967, after 20 years in the military. After retirement, Ray farmed for several years, was employed at A.E. Staley and for the U.S. Postal Service. He hauled mail to Fort Kent for many years and then to all the post offices between Houlton and Sherman. He was an active member for many years in Houlton Grange Hall, Linneus Sno Sports and Houlton Elks.
    He is survived by his children, Raymond E. Baston “Reb” of Portland and Dawn (Merritt) Anderson and her husband, Gordon, of New Limerick; grand-children, Dean A. Merritt and Jenn of Hodgdon, Maj. Elbridge “Eb” Merritt and his wife, Lisa, of San Antonio, Fred Merritt of Houlton, Christopher Baston and his wife, Birgit, of Florida, Cecelia Jeanne Baston of Boston, Raymond L. Baston and Stephanie of Portland; and great-grandchildren, Zachary, Devin, Alexa, Nicholas, Rachel, Cole, Caleb, Celina, Samuel and Emileigh Norma Jeanne. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Norma Jeanne; an infant son, Dean Alan; two brothers, John “Johnny Bull” Baston and Avon Baston; and two sisters, Ruth Shields and Mildred Stanley.
    Per Ray’s request, graveside funeral services with full military honors will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at New Limerick Cemetery. A time of fellowship will be held immediately after at Linneus Sno Sports Club. For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.