BANGOR – Francis W. Doyle, 87, died Nov. 17, 2006, at a Bangor health care facility. He was born June 1, 1919, in Bangor, the son of Albert and Levida (Jones) Doyle. The second of five children, Francis attended Bangor schools until the age of 16, at which time he started work to help support his family during the Great Depression. Francis enjoyed boxing and competed locally at a young age. When World War II broke out, Francis joined the U.S. Army and served in the European theater with the 179th combat engineers, under the command of General Patton. Francis was involved with the construction of many temporary bridges and repairs to damaged bridges, often under enemy fire, that allowed the Allied Army to win the war in Europe. He was promoted to staff sergeant and received many medals and ribbons, including the Bronze Star, for his actions. At the end of World War II, Francis returned to the states and was selected as an honor guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Francis always loved construction and when his service career ended, he returned home to Maine and worked with local construction companies, including Nickerson and O’Day Construction. He was a hard worker and enjoyed working outside with other people. Francis spent the last six years as a patient at the Bangor Veterans’ Homes. While there, even though he had physical conditions that limited him, he remained active and assisted other home members. Francis always helped with preparations for the weekly Beano games and saw to it that everyone enjoyed themselves. He was well liked by everyone and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Francis was predeceased by the father who raised him, Bernard McLellan; his mother, Levida McLellan; his sister, Mary Bragdon; and his brother, John McLellan. He is survived by his son, Ronald Taggart; his grandchildren, Shawn Drew and Jessica Taggart; great-grandchild, Haley; brothers, Bernard D. McLellan and William McLellan; nieces, Cathy Canders, Joanie Comeau and Joyce Thebarge; nephews, Bill Bragdon and Bobby Bragdon; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. The family wishes to thank everyone at the Bangor Veterans’ Homes for all the love, help and care given to Francis during his stay at their facility. Friends are invited to visit with the family 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor, with the Very Rev. Richard McLaughlin officiating. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Gift in his memory may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Homes, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.Brookings-Smith.com
FRANCIS W. DOYLE
