FRANK W. JEWELL

HAMPDEN – Frank W. Jewell, 85, died Dec. 18, 2007, in Bangor, surrounded by his loving family, after a short illness. He was born July 2, 1922, in Bangor, the son of Marion E. and Ella S. (Kelley) Jewell. He lived in Brewer, attending Brewer schools, graduating from Brewer High School, in 1940 and attended the University of Maine. He was a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, Class of 1943-2, with a 3rd Assistant Engineer Coast Guard License and a commission as Ensign, USNR. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II as the engineering officer on the USS Bellatrix AKA3, participating in the invasion of Saipan. Later he served on the USS Bronx, APA 236 doing Magic Carpet duty-bringing the troops home at the end of the war. He was married Nov 21, 1945, in San Francisco, to Barbara Law, also from Brewer, who was on active duty with the U.S. Navy Waves, stationed there at the Fleet Post Office. Following the war, he was employed by The National Cash Register Co., The Bangor Commercial and The Metropolitan Life Ins. Co. In 1952, Frank went to work for Maine Blue Cross & Blue Shield as a representative and subsequently as manager of the Bangor office, retiring in 1982. He also served in the Active Naval Reserve, retiring as Lt. Commander, USNR. He and his family moved to Hampden in 1954 and he became active in community affairs. He served on the board of appeals and two terms on the board of selectmen. He joined the Hampden Kiwanis Club as a charter member, serving as president in 1967 and Lt. Governor of then Division 25 in 1980, and continued to be an active member to the time of his passing. Other affiliations include membership in and Past Commander of the American Legion Daniel E. Geaghan Post 98, Brewer. Also a member of the VFW Post 4633, Hampden. He was formerly a member of The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 827, Bangor. He also held a Private Pilot Certificate, having flown for many years, as well as building ultralights and flying from a small airstrip adjacent to his home. Frank and Barbara were members of several Square Dance Clubs, Travel Trailer & Motor Home Organizations. They spent many years after retiring, traveling throughout the country and settled for 12 years for the winter months at Grandma’s Grove R.V. Park, Labelle, Fla., where they made many lasting friendships. Frank was the current first vice president and secretary of the Pine Tree Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He was also a member of Hampden Historical Society. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; one son, Thomas W. Jewell and his wife, Judy, of Hampden; two daughters, Donna L. Roberts of Bangor, and Catherine A. Jewell and her husband, Dean Mallar, of Old Town; five grandchildren, Benjamin Jewell of Boston, Meghan (Jewell) Baker and her husband, Kevin, of Newburgh, Jennifer Roberts of Phoenix, Heather Corson and her husband, Marlon Alarcon, of Quito, Ecuador, and Lani Corson of New York City; several nieces and nephews; two cousins Mrs. Philip (Jane Kelley) Harley of Cape Elizabeth and Mrs. Earl (Francis Long) Swett of Wilmington, Del. Frank was predeceased by a son, Robert F. Jewell, in 1969. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A gathering to celebrate Frank’s life will be held 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Hampden Kiwanis Club, 55 Main Road North, Hampden. At Frank’s request interment with military honors will be held in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Frank W. Jewell Scholarship Fund, care of Hampden Kiwanis, P.O. Box 498, Hampden, ME 04444. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.