CARIBOU – Wendell Whittier Blackstone, 94, husband of the late Ruth H. Blackstone, passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at his residence in Lake Wales, Fla. He was born June 16, 1914, in Caribou, the son of Fred J. and Eva (Whittier) Blackstone, the fourth of six children. After graduating from Caribou High School, where he was active in the sports program such as the cross-country track team, spring track team and winter skiing, he attended Gordon College of Theology and Missions, Boston. He returned to Caribou to pursue a career in farming on the Back Presque Isle Road until 1970, at which time Wendell changed to a career in life, health and accident insurance sales. As a farmer, Wendell was vice president of Young Farmers of Aroostook, director of Federal Land Bank of Central Aroostook for nine years, vice president for two years and association director of Central Aroostook Production Credit Association, director of Maine Potato Growers Association for six years, a member of American Farm Bureau, an Extension Service member, and a member of Grange Local and Pomona Grange. He helped organize 27 farmers into Caribou Grower’s Association. Wendell was president of Future Farmers of America from 1931 to 1932. During his lifetime he served on many committees, including Boy Scouts, DeMolay and Rainbow Girls. He was past master of Caribou Lodge of Masons AF & AM No. 170, past high priest of Garfield Chapter, Royal Arch Masons Lodge No. 98, member of Anah Temple Shrine, a 32nd degree Mason of both the York and Scottish Rite, Valley of Bangor, Valley of Portland Consistory and a past worthy patron of Elizabeth Chapter No. 108 Order of the Eastern Star. Wendell was a member of United Baptist Church of Caribou for 72 years, where he taught Sunday school, was a member of North Aroostook Committee, worked with Boys Brigade and served with Gideons International for 15 years. He was a lay preacher and volunteered for the Maine Bible Society. In 1939 he married Geraldine Elizabeth Morrell of Fort Fairfield, who passed away in 1982. Wendell married Ruth Cook and they enjoyed traveling extensively to Israel four times, Europe, Mexico, and throughout the U.S. In recent years they enjoyed relaxing between Florida and Maine until her passing, July 2007. He is survived by four children, Wendell Whittier Blackstone, George Rodney Blackstone, Fred Jones Blackstone III and Katherine Louise Kelsey; five grandchildren; and a brother, Fred. He was predeceased by a daughter, Elizabeth Ann and son-in-law, Larry Burnap and their two children. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by two sons, Jon and Quentin; and four siblings, Marjorie, Earl, Kenneth and Arnold. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Blackstone officiating. Interment will take place after the service at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. Friends may express their condolences to the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.
WENDELL WHITTIER BLACKSTONE
