CHARLESTON – Robert Henry Greatorex, 93, husband of the late Alberta French Greatorex, died November 1, 2013 at a local hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born, April 30, 1920, in Old Town, Maine, the son of Thomas S. and Katie (Blackwell) Greatorex.
Robert had a rich and full life starting with his elementary education in Old Town and later moving to Corinth where he met his wife of 66 years. Early in his marriage he worked at The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. After World War II broke out, he joined the Navy. He served his tour with the Navy Seabees, part of which was with the Marines on Iwo Jima. Shortly after he came home, he and Alberta bought a farm on the Ridge Road in Charleston where they raised “Chickens and Children”. Along with farming, he supplemented his income by working in the woods and making snow fence at Dow’s saw mill. Later he got a job working at the Charleston Air Force Base and moved his family from the Ridge Road to a small farm on the Atkinson Road in Charleston. When he retired he spent the remainder of his years gardening, gathering antiques and enjoying his life with Alberta, their 9 children, 29 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He loved family gatherings, especially the tradition created by him and his children called “Rake and Bake”, when his entire family would rake his lawn and bring food for him to enjoy. He and Alberta sat on the porch swing watching all the activities, giving direction when necessary. Robert was an avid harmonica player, a music lover and known as “the whistler” by fellow workers. His quick wit and unique sense of humor will be greatly missed. He was a member and Past Post Commander of the American Legion, Post # 0115, in Corinth and the Masonic Lodge #124 in Charleston.
He is survived by his sister, Helen Greatorex True of Corinth; 5 sons, Spencer and his wife Linda of Winslow; Byron and his wife Nancy Duncan of Camden; Chalma (Chum) of Amherst; William (Bill) and his wife Karen of Monroe; and Joel and his wife Wanda of Corinth; his 4 daughters, Lucille Potter and her husband Richard of Charleston and Wareham, Mass.; Nita Cole and her husband Alden of Winter Harbor; Paula Greatorex and her partner John Blaisdell of Isle au Haut; and Katie Martin and her husband Scott of Corinth; a special Grandson Jay Greatorex and his partner Tammy of Corinth; two sisters-in-law, Lois Simmons of St. Mary’s, West Virginia and Marilyn French of Bangor. In addition to his wife Alberta, he was predeceased by their first born son, Robert; his brother Thomas Greatorex Jr.; and grandson Yaich James Greatorex Duncan.
Friends and family may call Monday, November 4th: 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Thompson Funeral Home, 17 Hudson Road, Corinth. Memorial Services will be held at the United Methodist Church, 275 Main Road in Corinth on Tuesday, November 5th at 1:00 pm with Rev. James Proctor and Rev. David Bean officiating. Burial will be at the Corinthian Cemetery with Military Honors. Those who wish may make donations to the American Legion, Post #115, 430 Main Street Corinth, Maine 04427. Please visit www.ThompsonFuneralHome.org.
Robert Henry Greatorex
