Walter Thomas

Walter I. Thomas
Orono
Walter I. Thomas, 94, passed away June 9, 2021 at home surrounded by loved ones. Dad was born in Belfast May 21, 1927 the son of Perle and Sadie Thomas. The family moved to Old Town where Dad graduated from Old Town High School class of 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy and was a Plank Owner on the Destroyer DD-864 the Harold J. Ellison. After an honorable discharge he married the love of his life Theresa and moved to Orono. He operated the Orono Taxi for a number of years, and was also a reserve patrol officer for the Orono Police Department. Dad then started a career in the beverage business. After 30 years with Haffenreffer Beverage in Brewer he retired. Upon retirement he traveled with Mom and Aunt Dot to the White Mountains a favorite place to visit, and grocery shopping on Tuesdays.
Dad was a 50 plus year member of the American Legion Post #84, Orono. Dad enjoyed feeding his “kids”, pets Abol, Yukon, Autum, Telos and Chippy. He enjoyed deer hunting in Monroe with his sons and grandsons and cooking red hot dogs on the powerline for lunch. He also enjoyed Moose Hunting with the “Gang” at Moose Camp, Shorty, Paul, Chuck, John, Scott, Barry and Downsey and whoever else showed up to tell stories and eat well. Dad enjoyed fishing at West Musquash, Hurd Pond, or wherever, as long as his sons or grandsons were there. Dad and Mom and the family enjoyed camping at KOA in Medway and Abol Bridge Campground. Many memories were made, hunting, fishing and camping with Dad.
He was predeceased by his parents, step-parents, Vernal Chadbourne and Effie Thomas; wife Theresa (Albert) Thomas; sons Mark and Paul; granddaughter Shannon; brother Col. Raymond P. Thomas US Army (retired) and sister-in-law Isabelle, brother-in-law Carroll, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many co-workers that he thought of as family.
Surviving are his sons, Raymond of Orono; Glenn and daughter-in-law, Sue of Veazie; daughter-in-law Michelle of Stillwater; half-brother Malon of Gardiner and half-sister Muriel of Litchfield, sister-in-law Dorothy of Orono, brother Richard and sister-in-law Rosie of FL.; sister Jerri of VA; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and card playing friend Kenny and many co-workers and friends made in his years of travel throughout Maine and especially Washington County.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ritter, Mikki of Northern Light in Orono for many years of taking care of Dad. Thanks to the Northern Light Hospice staff, especially Downeast Donna and Dolly for the care and compassion they showed taking care of Dad.
A private burial for family, with military honors, will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Orono and a celebration of Dad’s life will be announced at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to Wreaths across America, 4 Point St., Columbia Falls, ME. 04623, to help decorate head stones with Christmas Wreaths made in Maine for Veterans across the country.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at Memorial-Alternatives.com.