CARL W. BURGESS

CARMEL – Carl Weston Burgess, 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep Nov. 2, 2008, at his home. He was born the son of Carroll and Eva (Leland) Burgess, June 23, 1918, in East Sangerville, where he lived and worked on his family farm. Carl served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippine Islands, serving as a military police. Carl had a long and happy life, and he brought joy to so many people. He always had a story to tell and was blessed with a great memory for detail. Some of his favorite tales were of his experiences as a truck driver, which he took great pride and pleasure in doing for more than 45 years. Prior to his retirement, he drove for H. O. Bouchard and was honored to receive an award for Maine Driver of the Month in September 1982 and the ATA Foundation Driver of the Year in 1983. When he wasn’t driving truck, Carl could be found in his huge vegetable garden or working for hours in his yard. Carl was a member of Lynde Lodge No. 174 AF & AM of Hermon, and received a pin commemorating 50 years of membership. He was also a longtime member of the VFW, Hermon. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria (Woodard) Burgess; daughters, Judith Burgess, and Diane (Burgess) Murphy and her husband, Thomas, all of Chapel Hill, N.C.; sons, Robert Burgess and wife, Carolyn, of Nashville, Tenn., Walter Burgess and his fianc?e, Nina Stonesifer, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and Lawrence Burgess and wife, Millie, of Griswold, Conn.; brothers, Merrill Burgess and wife, Phyllis, and Reynold Burgess and his wife, Carol, of East Sangerville; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, James M. Burgess; and two brothers, Gordon and Sumner Burgess. Relatives and friends are invited to call 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Ron Libby, pastor of Souls Harbor Ministries, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service at Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor. Private graveside services will be held at Corinthian Cemetery, Corinth. Gifts in his memory may be sent in support of the family to Gloria Burgess, 240 Main Road, Carmel, ME 04419.