HAMPDEN – Carleton F. Willey, 85, beloved husband of Eleanor L. (Gary) Willey, passed away peacefully May 18, 2008, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1922, in Bangor, the son of Fred E. and Rose (Morris) Willey. Carleton attended Bangor schools and was a graduate of Bangor High School, Class of 1941. After high school he went to work in the South Portland Shipyard. In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army during World War II and was taken prisoner of war, Dec. 19, 1944, in Bastogne, Belguim. He was a prisoner for nine months and came home from being a POW weighing only 100 lbs. Carleton was in the 52nd Armored Infantry Battalion 9th Armored Division, his division received two Pres-idential Citations during World War II. He enjoyed traveling to his Army reunions every year until 2007. After the war he drove a taxi in Bangor, was a Bangor firefighter for six years, worked for Merrill Transport, then worked for Webber Oil Co., as a tinsmith, retiring after 38 years. Also, while working for Webber Oil, he flew Danny Webber from the East to the West coast for seven years. He enjoyed flying, motorcycling and traveling. Carleton rode motorcycles from high school until 2008, and had a pilot’s license for 63 years. He was a life member of Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post No. 4633 of Hampden, life member of veterans’ of ex-POW’s, life member of World War II Museum in Louisiana, which he was one of the first members, Maine Air Museum and Maine Aviation Historical Society. Carleton was one of the first to organize and be a member of Quiet Birdmen Hanger, Bangor and was their governor for 11 years; was one of the first members of Owls Head Land and Air Transportation Museum; mem-ber for more than 50 years of Rising Virtue Masonic Lodge No. 10 of Bangor and Anah Shrine of Bangor. Carleton was a “true original,” who could fix or build anything with Yankee ingenuity. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and friend to many. Carleton is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Eleanor, whom he married February 1944; his devoted children, Lorraine Leonard and her husband, James, of Hampden and Dana Willey and his lady, Jodi, of Newburgh; grandchildren, Nicole Richards, Edward Willey Jr. and wife, Jessica, Shanna Allen and husband, Stephen, Robert Willey and wife, Marrianne, Dale Clements, Dean Clements and his lady, Lisa, and Jeri Leonard; great-grand-children, Ashley, Paul, Bohannan, Hunter, Grace, Maddison, Emily, Ashlin, Morgan and Brandon, nieces and nephews; including a very special nephew, Rickie Willey. He was predeceased by a son, Edward Willey Sr., in 2005, who left behind his wife, Marlene and her family. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Morris and Donald Willey. Family and friends may visit 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hamp-den. A service of remembrance and thanksgiving for the life of Carleton will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the funeral home with Pastor Chuck Langbein, of Ellingwoods Corner United Methodist Church, Winterport, officiating. In keep-ing with Carleton’s respect for his Masonic affiliation, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Bangor Masonic Foundation, P.O. Box 251, Brewer, ME 04412. These funds will be used for the construction of the new Masonic hall. Messages of condolence and mem-ories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
CARLETON F. WILLEY
