STOCKTON SPRINGS – Melvin A. Shute, 75, passed away peacefully March 16, 2011, at his home. He was born March 5, 1936, in Stockton, to Owen and Netina Shute.
He married Janice Payson in 1955. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1953 and took many courses at the University of Maine, Orono.
He was a member of Stockton Springs Community Church.
He proudly served in many capacities in his community, county and state offices. He was town selectman for four years, served as state representative for eight years, state senator for eight years and as county commissioner for 10 years. Melvin worked at Chemtron Chemical Co. as power plant engineer. He worked as a millwright at St. Regis / Champion Paper Co. for 30 years. He was a member of Stockton Pownal Lodge No. 119, Palestine Commandery and King Solomon Council and Chapter. He joined the lodge when he was 21, where he was installed by his father and, in turn, when his sons turned 21, he installed them. He was master of his lodge and then district deputy grand master of the 8th Masonic District. Melvin and his wife, Janice, enjoyed many trips with the family to the Caribbean, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon. He spoke many times of his favorite trips to Santa’s Village with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his grandchildren’s sporting events and lobster boat racing on the Sea Mist. He was involved with his sons’ Boy Scout Troop, helping them earn merit badges, with Darren attaining the Life and Eagle Scout Award. He also coached the town baseball farm team for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice; two sons, Trent and wife, Sandy, and Darren and wife, Lorie; five grandchildren, Holly and husband, Ryan, Justin, Megan, Brian and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren, Cody and Jaiden. Cody has been the love of his life for the past 12 years. Other surviving relatives include sister, Mary Jane Costigan and her husband, Frank; brother-in-law, Joseph Costigan; nine brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Ann Payson, Delma and Ray Paul, Burt and Fran Payson, Sharon and Dan Perry, Maureen Larrabee, Carold and Peggy Payson, Lauren and Minnie Payson, Cherylene and Paul Labbe, and Cheryle and John Larrabee; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Lillian Russell and her husband, Rusty, and Virginia Costigan; and two nieces, Faith Russell and Lynn Costigan.
Visiting hours will be 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport, with a brief Masonic service 6:45 p.m. The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at Stockton Springs Community Church. Immediately after the funeral, there will be refreshments at the Community Building. Spring interment will be at Mount Prospect Cemetery, Stockton Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Stockton Springs Church Steeple Fund, care of Seaboard Federal Credit Union, attention: Darlene, P.O. Box G, Bucksport, ME 04416.