OLD TOWN – Lawrence “Doc” Maddan, 87, died at sunrise Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, of complications resulting from a broken hip suffered Aug. 14. He was born April 5, 1920, the only child of Dr. Martin Crowell Maddan and his wife, Fern Lawrence Gould, daughter of Old Town mayor, John W. Gould. He graduated from Old Town High School in 1936 and from Maine School of Commerce in 1939. On July 19, 1941, he married Shirley Justine Drew, daughter of Judson Drew. He worked at Penobscot Shoe Co., as a clicking machine operator before enlisting in the Army, 1002nd Air Material Squadron, where he achieved marksman qualifications with both carbines and pistols, attended Communications Chief Signal Corps Sch-ool, completed auto equipment mechanic training and served as a shift chief and foreman in the maintenance shop before an honorable discharge in October 1945. He then worked hand cutting patterns in the shoe manufacturing industry, operated the Texaco service station in Old Town from 1955 to 1959, and retired from Penobscot Shoe Co., with 18 years of service in 1985. As a hint of his character, he worked through a contentious strike to the distress of some employees, but to the benefit of his wife, children and creditors and stated clearly, “I have bills to pay and a family to feed.” Others may remember him as the operator of Maddan’s Rooming House, Center Street, Old Town, where he let more than one tenant slide on the rent when they couldn’t pay, but none when they wouldn’t. Throughout his life, Lawrence was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours hunting in the Greenfield area or fishing in whatever stream, pond or lake seemed promising that day. He had a strong interest in antique firearms and held a wealth of knowledge in that area. As the years made hunting and fishing more difficult, he developed interests in photography and genealogy, the latter resulting in a comprehensive written family history, which is available at Old Town Library. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Shirley in 1994; and by most of his friends including, Roy Waterman and Ken Crowley. He is survived by his sons, Richard, Michael and Keith; his grandson, Eric Trumpold; great-grandsons, Eric, Andrew, Bran-don and Nathaniel; and his half aunt, his “sister,” Dr. Ann B. Gould, who recalls with fondness his patience, kindness and good nature. Among others, the family thanks Dr. Picone and nurse, Carver, of Eastern Maine Medical Center for their compassion, Heidi J. and Sharon of Ross Manor for their care and Dewey and Theresa Ellingwood for being his friends. A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at Lawndale Cemetery, Stillwater Avenue, Old Town. Contributions to honor Lawrence should be made to yourself, take a walk in the woods, a ride in the country, or just go fishing and remember him. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. Arrangements in the care of Birmingham Funeral Home.
LAWRENCE LATHAM MADDAN
