Charles R. Hewson Sr., 92, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully July 1 at his home. He was born Aug. 9, 1918 in Newton, Mass. to the late Charles and Ada Noble Hewson.
He graduated from Wellesley High School in Wellesley, Mass. and from Northeastern University’s College of Engineering with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Charles worked for and ultimately retired from General Electric Company for 40 years where he invented various electrical and mechanical devices, some major inventions patented by GE during his employment.
He received The Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. 60th Anniversary Award to Distinguished Member (July 9, 1993) and he was recognized by the Beekeepers Association for developing bee hive heaters.
Charles was licensed as an amateur radio operator (W1HJP) when he was 15 years old and was a member and past director of MARS (Military Affiliated Radio System) Army Radio Network. He was a licensed gunsmith, beekeeper and skilled carpenter. He enjoyed boating, skiing, tennis and was a violinist. He took part in the Damariscotta Lake Annual Loon Count and was past director of the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association. He also owned and operated Gun Doc’s Sales and Repair in Jefferson.
Charles belonged to many groups and organizations: he was a Licensed Professional Engineer in Maine and Massachusetts; he was a member of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Maine, Past Master Masonic Riverside Lodge #135, Jefferson; Whitefield Lions Club, The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), Pen Bay Amateur Radio Club, Life Member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (member since 1933), National Rifle Association, former Boy Scout Master, Natick, Mass.; Maine Beekeepers Association.
He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Edwards Hewson; sons, Charles “Butch” R. Hewson Jr. and Peter J. Hewson; daughter, Andrea Hewson Burg; granddaughter, Katie Hewson; and son-in-law, Frank Walton.
He is survived by sons, David Hewson and wife Teresa of Waldoboro and Mark Hewson of Jefferson; daughters, Sandra Walton of Ormond Beach, Fla. and Deborah Benedict of Ormond Beach, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; along with many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service 1 p.m., Sat., July 9 at the First Baptist Church, Rt. 1, Waldoboro, Pastor Jon Vermilion will officiate.
Contributions may be made to Miles and St. Andrews Home Health and Hospice, c/o Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.