MATTAWAMKEAG – Herbert S. Libbey Jr., 78, passed away June 3, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born April 11, 1933, son of Teresa (Stanley) and Herbert S. Libbey Sr.
Herbert was a devoted, loving husband and father. He was called a “complicated man” by his wife, Marlene, and his kids agreed with her. He believed in a man’s word and a handshake to close a deal. He was a man that was honest and hardworking. He held down several jobs at the same time and gave each of them his undivided attention. These jobs included H.C. Haynes, Madden’s Store, The Pumping Station, Murray’s Motormart and Suburban Propane Co. He often said if only he had more education he might not have had to work so hard, but he was very proud of what he had achieved both with his high school education and his hard-knocks education he received on the jobs he held. He met many of his lifelong friends from these jobs. He enjoyed bowling and other sports, but baseball was his true passion. He loved playing on Mattawamkeag’s semi-pro team with his brothers, sons and several players who became his best friends. He was inducted into Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. He remained close to the 1951 graduating class of Mattawamkeag High School. He also loved his wife, his children, gardening and his work. He enjoyed his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he attended as many of their school activities as he could. He was never at a loss to tell a story or a joke to anyone he met and he certainly could embellish any story or joke to get a laugh. He loved food, especially the food at Crossroads Motel and Restaurant, which he and his wife owned and operated for more than 30 years. It was here that he and Marlene met many of their lifelong friends.
Herbert is survived by four children, Dale Hanscom and Sam Pelkey, Dean Libbey and his wife, Gina, Dixie Watson and her husband, Brent, all of Mattwamkeag, and Darrell and his wife, Lori, of Lincoln; nine grandchildren, Jimmy Hanscom and Rachel, Jamie Stiehl and Dan, Brent Watson and Heather, Brock Watson and Tricia, Luke Libbey and Jana, Aimee Libbey, Tyler Libbey, Derek Libbey and Renee Libbey; eight great-grandchildren, Kourtney, Dominic, Jillian, Marissa, Sydnee, MacKenna, Brandon and Thomas; three brothers and sisters, Herman Libbey, Teresa Clifford and Gerald, Dennis Libbey and Jayne; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marlene H. Libbey; his parents, Teresa Stanley and Herbert S. Libbey Sr.; a brother, Kenneth Libbey Sr.; and a granddaughter, April Hanscom.
Friends may call 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Monday, June 6, at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln, where funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, with Tricia Carver officiating the service. Interment will be held at Mattawamkeag Cemetery. Those who wish may donate in his memory to LifeFlight of Maine. Donations may be left at the funeral home. Those who wish may sign an online register and leave written condolences at
www.clayfuneralhome.com.