CEDRIC ERLE RUSSELL

LINCOLN – Cedric Erle Russell, 83, entered into his eternal home May 22, 2009, just as he had lived his life – with dignity, a sense of humor and his wife, Barbara, by his side. Cedric, known as “Bud” in his early years and by those close to him, was born Feb. 18, 1926, in Linneus, at the home of his parents, Pauline Ada Schillinger and Harold Jason Russell. Cedric grew up during the Great Depression and his life’s values were shaped by the challenges of these times. Cedric graduated from Ricker Classical Institute, Houlton, in 1944, the year that Wording Hall was destroyed by fire. Shortly after graduating from high school, Cedric enlisted in the Army and served two years in the European Theatre during World War II. After attending Shrivenham University, Swinden, England, and Ricker Junior College, Houlton, Cedric graduated from McAllister School of Embalming, New York City, in 1950. In 1951 Cedric was hired as teaching principal of a K-8 one-room schoolhouse in Linneus and thus began a 35-year career as an educator. Cedric served as teaching principal, elementary supervisor, principal and teacher at numerous elementary and middle schools in Linneus, Winn, West Enfield and Lincoln. The last 10 years of his career were spent as a language arts teacher at Mattanawcook Junior High School, Lincoln. During his tenure as an educator, Cedric was a member of various professional organizations and was a charter member and past president of Lincoln Teachers Association. It was through his part-time vocation as an embalmer that he met his future bride, Barbara Clay, the sister of Wilber, owner of Clay’s Funeral Home, Lincoln. Cedric and Barbara were married June 19, 1955, in Lincoln. The years 1957 and 1960 marked not only the attainment of his Bachelor of Science degree in education and Master of Education degree from the University of Maine, but also the birth of his two daughters, Jen and Liz. Throughout his lifetime and particularly during his retirement years, Cedric pursued his passions of cooking, art, family, community service and civic engagement. He was a past president of Lincoln Rotary Club, member of First Congregational Church of Lincoln, member of Horeb Lodge AF & AM No. 93, past patron of Lincoln Chapter No. 112 and member of Millwee Chapter No. 198 Order of the Eastern Star, worthy grand patron of the Grand Chapter of Maine, Order of the Eastern Star, 1968-1969, chairman of the public relations committee of the General Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, past chairman and board member of Penobscot Valley Hospital and he was involved in many, many other organizations and activities. Cedric enjoyed showing his appreciation to members of the greater Lincoln community through the gift of his baked sweet breads and confections. Above all, Cedric enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, “his darling,” Barbara Ellen. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 54 years, Barbara Clay Russell; his daughter, Jennifer Fogel and her husband, John, of Old Town; his daughter, Elizabeth Russell and her partner, Julie Green, of Bangor; his grandchildren, Barbara Ellen St. Peter of Old Town, Shawn St. Peter of Presque Isle, Jessica Fogel of New York City and Kathryn Fogel of Philadelphia; his brother Wayne’s children and their spouses, Teran and John Clark and Randy and Kathy Russell; a sister-in-law, Madeline Clay of Lincoln; and the “Clay Clan” nieces and nephews and their families, Timothy Ludden and Jeanne Day, Douglas and Patricia Ludden, Jonathan Ludden, Hervey and Jane Clay, Kathleen and Dale Clifford, R. Grant and Belinda Clay, Bruce and Cynthia Clay, Connie and Ian Shalek, Ruth Ellen and Alfred Cialfi and Jane and Rod Black. He was predeceased by his parents; brother; and son-in-law, Lloyd St. Peter. The family expresses deep gratitude to family friend, Gayle Hooke and to the staff of Penobscot Valley Hospital for their care and support. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday at Clay Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Linda Hatch officiating. Interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations for the steeple fund at First Congregational Church, UCC, Lincoln, may be sent care of Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, ME 04457. To honor Cedric’s life, prepare your favorite recipe for someone who has been kind to you. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.