WATERVILLE – Wilder “Al” Allen Libby, 85, died peacefully Friday, April 1, 2011, with family by his side at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Waterville. He was born Sept. 26, 1925, in Bangor, the son of Clarence and Augusta (Craig) Libby Sr.
He had attended Brewer High School and later received his GED. He loved music and was an avid gardener, working outdoors around his home. He was a fan of the Red Sox and attended or watched games. In the service he played on the National Guard softball team for several years and later played American Legion baseball. He took up playing tennis at Colby College and his tennis partner was Ab Larsen. He was formerly employed at the paper mill in Brewer for several years, then joined the military as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. After getting out, he took work at Shaw’s supermarket and then as a sales clerk at Blake’s Hardware Store. He later joined the U.S. Army and then the National Guard, of which he served more than 42 years. He umpired the local Little League games for 60 years playing at local fields. He was a life member of Waterville Lodge of Elks, a third degree member of Winslow Knights of Columbus Council, a longtime member and former commander of Bourque-Lanigan Post No. 5 American Legion for three years, was a lead member of the Funeral Detail for the Legion for many years, and a longtime member of McCrillis-Rousseau Post Veterans of Foreign Wars, Winslow.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Theresa (Veilleux) Libby of Waterville; four sons, Robert Libby and wife, Joyce, of Holden, David Willett and wife, Patricia, of Guntersville, Ala., Bruce Willett of Belgrade and Garry Willett and wife, Elizabeth, of Winslow; one daughter, Nancy Pardun and husband, Robert, of Bangor; one brother, Paul Libby of Brewer; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and by his beloved dog, Princess. He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Clarence Libby Jr. and George Libby.
Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. American Legion members are asked to meet 7 p.m. at the funeral home for a military wake service. Funeral services with military honors will be held later this spring. Donations in his memory may be made to the local Little League Baseball Association.