CLARENCE W. DRINKWATER

SEARSMONT – Clarence W. Drinkwater, 88, passed away March 6, 2009, at Waldo County General Hospital after a very brief illness. Clarence was born April 10, 1920, in Searsmont, the youngest of seven children born to Wyman and Nellie (Bryant) Drinkwater. He lived his whole life at the family homestead on Moody Mountain Road, Searsmont, except during his tour of duty for the U.S. Army. Clarence attended Moody Mountain Academy until he was drafted in 1942. He served during World War II in Africa, Anzio Beach, Italy, and the Middle East, receiving many commendations. He was a sergeant when he finished. Clarence then came home to work on the dairy farm for 50 years, as well as being very involved in the town of Searsmont as a selectman, road commissioner, and served several terms on the planning board. He will be well remembered for the school bus he and his wife, Annie, operated for almost 20 years. He also had a gravel pit on his land, which he sold gravel from for many years. He was a Christian man and read his Bible almost every day, attended Searsmont churches and listened to Ronnie Libby every Sunday as he grew older and could not attend church. He loved his Collie dogs very much, especially Billie, and picnics at his camp on Quantabacook, eating out and always attended Union and Winsor Fairs. Clarence was predeceased by his parents; and wife, Annie in 2000. He is survived by his son, Harlan Drinkwater and wife, Donita of Searsmont; two grandchildren, Ann Marie Holmes and husband, Damon, of Bucksport and Jay Drinkwater and wife, Crystal, of Saltillo, Miss.; a sister-in-law, Bertha Hopper of Camden; several nieces and nephews; and his friends, Wallace Heath of Searsmont and Warren Pendleton of Lincolnville. Family and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. Burial will be held in the spring at LaSalle-Drinkwater Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Searsmont Methodist Church, Searsmont. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.