DANFORTH – Daniel James Shay, 90, passed away March 9, 2010, at a Houlton hospital. Danny was born Feb. 25, 1920, the son of George and Clara Shay. He graduated from Danforth High School in 1937. During his early years, he worked with his father in the lumbering business. Later he worked for Maine Central Railroad as a trackman. From there he worked for Bath Iron Works and then was drafted into the military during World War II. Danny’s unit landed on Omaha Beach at Normandy on D-Day. From there, he served in Northern France and Rhineland. Upon returning from the service, he was employed by Maine Central Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railroad as a telegraph operator until his retirement. He was a devoted member of Danforth United Methodist Church and attended Danforth Pentecostal Church regularly every Sunday evening. He called himself a “Methacostal.” He was a faithful member of American Legion Post No. 45 for many years, where for a time, he held the office of adjutant. Danny was an avid outdoorsman enjoying gardening, fishing and hunting. He is survived by two sons, Peter and Larry, both of Danforth; two daughters, Joan Shuttleworth of Manchester, Conn., and Linda Russell of Danforth; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Callie; his second wife, Phyllis; a son, Danny; and a sister, Leola Davis. The family would like to thank his “Buddy” Everett Kinney for his many acts of kindness towards Danny – the trips to Togus, stopping every morning to bring in the paper and helping him with his lunches when Linda was away. A special thank you also to a special niece, Wanda Young, who for many years took him to church Sunday evenings. He will be deeply missed by two very special friends, Winston and Elaine Bartlett, as well as his children and grandchildren. A special thank you to the nursing staff at the progressive care unit at Houlton Regional Hospital and also to Dr. Sussman for the many years of great care he gave to Danny. Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Clay Funeral Home-Bartlett Chapel, 24 Houlton Road, Danforth. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Danforth Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Marilyn Rohdin officiating. Interment will be at Eaton Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Danforth Methodist Church or American Legion Post No. 45, Danforth. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at www.clayfuneralhome.com.
DANIEL JAMES SHAY
