FAYETTE, MAINE — World War II veteran Lewis H. Parker, 93, died on August 29 at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, Maine. He was born March 23, 1926, in Lemington, VT, the son of Lewis and Etta (Lawton) Parker Sr. He attended school in Lemington, graduating valedictorian of his class in 1944. He immediately went into the Army Air Force and served his country as an aerial gunner on a B-29 bomber during World War II. Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, he went to work as a contractor and had a long career in this trade until his retirement in the early 1990s.
In his retirement, he pursued his lifelong interest in antiques. During the last 15 years, Parker exhibited in Indian Lake, N.Y., with the Magoun Brothers of South Paris, Maine. His specialty was paper, Jon Magoun said, but all ephemera interested him. He also collected creels and packs and outdoorsy stuff. Parker was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Starbird, and her husband Robert of Rockland; grandchildren, Melissa Starbird of Warren, Todd Starbird of Spruce Head and Stephen Starbird of Rockport; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Michael Harvill, Julian and Amelia Starbird; a sister-in-law, Eva Parker; the family of Minola Bubier; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his best friend and partner, Minola Bubier; two brothers, Thomas and Stanley Parker; and a sister, Esther Clapp.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, 500 Industry Road, Farmington, ME 04938, or the animal shelter of your choice.
