VERONA ISLAND – Merle E. Bowden, 84, died Dec.19, 2004, at a Bangor nursing facility. He was born Sept. 17, 1920, in Orland, the son of Richard E. and (Nellie (Drummond) Bowden. He graduated from Bucksport High School. He was in the U.S. Army, serving in Africa and France during World War II, where he earned three bronze stars. He was a member of the American Legion Post 93, Bucksport and attended the Franklin St. United Methodist Church, Bucksport. He worked for New England Telephone Co. as a lineman, retiring after 32 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching wildlife and woodworking. He was known for his meticulous lawn and enjoyed time on his tractor. Merle was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy (Gross) Bowden of Verona Island; three children, Sonya Harriman and her husband, Marvin, of Bucksport, Stephen Bowden and his wife, Lynn, of Bucksport, Brian Bowden and his wife, Pat, of Searsport; seven grandchildren, David Harriman, Jeff Harriman, Timothy Harriman and his wife, Kris, Michael Harriman, Nicole Gould and her husband, Michael, Leslie Russell, Gabriel Bowden, Brianya Bowden; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Dorr of Bangor, Edna Simpson of Orrington; several nieces and nephews, many in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents. Private services for family only will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, at the Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Bucksport. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.
MERLE E. BOWDEN
