PRESQUE ISLE – Reuben R. Lennon, 79, husband of Marilyn M. (Shaw) Lennon, died Sunday evening, April 15, 2012, at his home with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 23, 1933, in Houlton, son of Reuben A. and Cora L. (McFadden) Lennon.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18 and served 26 years in hospital administration. Among his travels were Delaware, Iwo Jima, France, Guam, Vietnam, Washington and the Air Force Academy in Colorado. In March 1973, he flew to North Vietnam and returned with 33 prisoners of war during Operation Homecoming. Reuben received his Bachelor of Science degree from Unity College and after retiring from military service worked at the Veterans Affairs’ hospitals in San Diego and Togus until his retirement.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, Bryan Lennon of Presque Isle. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn M. (Shaw) Lennon of Presque Isle; daughter, Belinda Black of Solon; son, Stephen and his wife, Susan Lennon, of Fairfield; daughter, Debbie Lennon; special family friend, Paula R. Welton, both of Belgrade; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Reuben’s life with full military honors will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, April 20, at Northern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 37 Lombard Road, Caribou, with Pastor Ron Chaffee officiating. A reception in Reuben’s memory will be held after the service at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church, 79 Fleetwood St., Presque Isle. Those who wish may contribute in Mr. Lennon’s memory to the charity or organization of their choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield.