YARMOUTH – Lionel W. “Lem” Smith, 90, died June 14, 2011, in Yarmouth, after a lengthy period of declining health. He was born April 10, 1911, in Oakfield, a son of Walter Smith and Ella (Estabrook) Smith.
After spending much of his youth in Sherman, Lem joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Lem was also proud of his time in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving from 1942 to 1945, in the South Pacific. On March 22, 1944, he married Glenna Smith and they settled in Yarmouth, where they raised their three sons. After several years of carpentry work, Lem went to work at Overhead Doors, Portland, where he remained for more than 30 years, retiring in 1984. A man who liked to keep busy, Lem built the family home. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time at the campground in Turner, playing cribbage and in later years, he took up golf. For many years, Lemmie’s maple syrup was enjoyed by family and friends. He was a member of Woodfords Club, Portland, and Central Men’s Club, Yarmouth. In April 1981, Glenna died and in October 1983, Lem married Muriel (Richards) Ward. Together they traveled widely, their trip to Australia being a particular highlight. To escape Maine winters, they often spent time with friends in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Muriel predeceased Lem in 2005.
Lem is survived by sisters, Eula Reynolds of Portland and Ramona White of Smyrna; as well as extended family throughout Maine and beyond. He also leaves sons, Boyd of Plain City, Ohio, Bert of Yarmouth and Fred of Wilton; stepdaughter, Kimberly Ward Shepard of Coupeville, Wash.; stepson, Alan Ward of Boulder Colo., and their families; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service 6 p.m. Friday, July 1, at Riverside Cemetery, Yarmouth.