CORINTH – Willis Bean, 93, passed peacefully Nov. 13, 2011, in Corinth. He was born April 28, 1918, in Fort Fairfield, son of Dudley and Belle (Achorn) Bean.
He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Martin and her husband, Ralph, of Portland, and Nancy Arnold and her husband, Gary, of Bradford; son, Jeff and his wife, Doreen, of Skowhegan; three sisters, Ella Arnold of Portland, Glennis Downing of Palmyra and Avis Kee of Brewer; and three brothers, Lester of Kenduskeag, Winston of Blacksburg, Va., and Herbert of Bangor. He has six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild born Nov. 14, 2011. He was predeceased by his wife, Florence Hodsdon; grandson, Durward Arnold; two brothers, Franklin and Ralph Bean; and one sister, Anna Ingoldsby.
Willis graduated from East Corinth Academy in 1937. He proudly served in World War II in the Army/Air Force 19th Air Depot Group, North Africa, he was part of the European Theatre Campaign where he received two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Marksman and Bayonet Expert. He briefly worked in Florida, he then was a bulk milk truck driver until his retirement in 1985. Willis was a founding member of Corinth Volunteer Fire Department, having served more than 25 years. He also was a founding member of Corinth American Legion Post 115, serving in his 65th year. He was a longtime member of Corinth Historical Society.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson Funeral Home, 17 Hudson Road, Corinth, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday with Pastor David Bean officiating. Those who wish may make donations in memory of Willis to American Legion Post 115 or Corinth Historical Society.