WEBBER, Claude E. Jr., 96, Oct. 17, 2015. A service of remembrance was held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Standish Congregational Church. Arrangements by Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel in Gorham.
Claude E. Webber, Jr.
STANDISH – At his home with family beside him, Claude Ervin Webber Jr, passed away October 17, 2015 peacefully and valiantly. Our dad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and Great-Grampa.
Dad was born July 18, 1919 in Millinocket, Maine, the sixth of eight children to Claude Sr. and Grace Norton Webber. He was the last surviving sibling. The family settled in Farmington when Dad was a young boy. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1936, he worked as a machinist for Saco-Lowell Company Machine Shop in Biddeford.
In 1940, Dad entered Farmington Normal School (now the University of Maine at Farmington). His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps six days after Pearl Harbor.
Earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant, Dad was a B-17 bomber pilot in the 390th Bomb Group (J). His first mission was D-Day and he flew 35 subsequent missions over Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Oak Leaf Clusters.
After coming home from the war, while working as a local postal carrier, a pretty high school senior caught his eye. Dad and Mom, Joline Wilson, were married in January, 1947. Dad and Mom were together for almost 69 years.
Dad graduated from Farmington State Teacher’s College and later earned his Master’s degree at the University of Maine at Orono. He started teaching in Standish in 1951 and except for a brief stint in Westbrook, worked in the SAD 6 schools until his retirement in 1983.
Living a life of service to others, Dad was active in many organizations. He was the first president of Saco Valley Teachers’ Association as well as head of York and Cumberland counties’ Principals’ Associations. He was a past president of the Maine Principal’s Association, former president and member of Kiwanis and was proud to be part of the American Legion Post 128. Dad was a member of the first Standish Town Council. He served twice as Interim Town Manager of Standish. Also, he was a member of Standish Congregational Church.
In his eighties, Dad was surprised, but pleased to receive a special package from Russia. Inside was The Russian Medal “in recognition of his courage and personal contribution to the Allied support of Russia during her fight for freedom against Germany”.
Dad also had many interests during his life. He belonged to the Poland Spring Country Club. He enjoyed brook fishing, bowling and genealogy. His latest activities were playing cribbage and bridge at Standish Town Hall with many friends, in which he participated up until two months ago. Especially meaningful to him were many reunions of the 390th Bomb Group (J).
Dad will be remembered for his exuberant laugh, quick wit, a fondness for the Big Band Era, loving to dance, singing spontaneously to family members, a die-hard Yankee fan, an excellent bridge and cribbage player, a life long learner and for being a voracious reader.
Survivors are his beloved wife, Joline; children Terry (Theodore) Pettengill, Jill (Ronald) Porter, and Jonn (Karen) Webber; grandchildren, Jason (Katie) Pettengill, Jeremy (Melissa) Porter, Derek (Terri) Pettengill, Joshua (Alana) Porter, Jessica Porter and Caleb Pettengil; great-grandchildren, Cassie, Caitlin, Logan, Parker, Lani, Riley,Tessa, Talia, Grant, Tristan, and Kenzie. Dad is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were very special to him. A daughter, Grace Ida, died in infancy in 1954.
A service of remembrance was held Saturday, Oct. 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Standish Congregational Church.
The family wishes to gratefully thank the Hospice of Southern Maine team who tended to Dad and our family. Their compassion was extraordinary.
Arrangements are by the Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham. For online condolences, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.
