FAIRFIELD – Ralph E. Kneeland, 75, died peacefully Dec. 16, 2003, at the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor. He was born Aug. 2, 1928, in Dexter, the son of Donald and Ella (Higgins) Kneeland. Ralph was raised in Silvers Mills, and was a graduate of N.H. Fay High School in Dexter, Class of 1946. He served his country in the Korean War, and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 107. He was a Boy Scout leader, and worked on the railroad for more than 22 years, before he retired and started a construction business. He is survived by Alice Kneeland of Newport, the mother of his children; and subsequent wives, JoAnne Van Horn of Augusta, and Inez Kneeland of Bar Harbor; three sons and their wives, Rex and Kim Kneeland of Levant, Donald and Patty Kneeland of Carmel and Dave and Susan Kneeland of Cumberland; a stepbrother, James Stapenhill of Glendora, Calif.; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Phyllis Partridge of Carmel. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Horace, and Philip Kneeland. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter. Those who wish may make donations to the Humane Society of Waterville, Drummond Ave., Waterville, ME 04901. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, Dexter.


