ORIENT – Earl L. Spooner Sr., 86, died peacefully Nov. 5, 2011, in his sleep at a local health care facility. He was born May 31, 1925, in Houlton, the oldest son of Frank and Emma (Brewer) Spooner.
As a young man, he joined the U.S. Army, Oct. 12, 1943. He was one of the many wounded during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart. He was discharged May 12, 1945, and returned home to Orient. Earl was employed for 25 years in the forest products industry and worked several years as a mechanic for Maine Department of Transportation. He enjoyed his fellowship with his church family at Danforth Church of Christ, preaching there for 40 years until the age 80 and holding a bible study mid-week for several years. He enjoyed nature including gardening, fishing and hunting including his last moose hunt in 1999 at the age 74.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Phyllis (Megquier) Spooner of Orient; five children, Sharon Murchison and her husband, Hazen, of Presque Isle, Gail Mailman and her husband, Thomas, of Amity, Earl Spooner Jr. of Orient, Carol McLaughlin and her husband, David, of Dyer Brook, and Bradley Spooner of Sherman Mills; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn Marcellino, Ruby Spielman and Vera Eggbert, all of Connecticut, Mary Foley of Orient; sister-in-law, Gladys Spooner of Houlton; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kelly Elizabeth Mailman; and his younger brother, Vernon Spooner.
In keeping with Earl’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Private graveside service will be held Thursday at Orient Cemetery. Gifts may be made in Earl’s memory to Danforth Church of Christ, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.