Clayton Wendell Howard, 89, of Damariscotta, passed away Dec. 17 at home with his family, following a brief illness.
He was born in Leeds, Aug. 22, 1918, the son of F.D. Millet and Gertrude Robinson Howard. He grew up on farms in Leeds and No. Monmouth, attended Monmouth Academy and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, class of 1940.
Clayton began his career after graduating from the University of Maine as a teacher working with Eleanor Roosevelt in her National Youth Administration at Quoddy Village. He then went on to teach industrial arts and agriculture at Fryeburg Academy, where he designed and patented agricultural equipment, which is still in use today.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946 as a radar technician. He experienced many naval campaigns in the Pacific Theater aboard the heavy cruiser, Pasadena, which was in Tokyo Bay for the official surrender ceremony.
During the next 15 years, Clayton worked in the poultry industry, first as a consultant to farmers, then as a statewide manager for Wirthmore Feeds, and finally as a general manager for a number of poultry plants.
More than 50 years ago, Clayton and his wife, Gloria, along with their four children, built Lake Pemaquid Camping in Damariscotta.
In 1972, Clayton founded the Damariscotta Bank and Trust along with his son, Chuck, and four other local business people. He served as the first Chairman of the Board and as a Director for over 34 years.
Over most of the past 50 years Clayton could be seen on his backhoe and tractors building and maintaining the campground while patiently teaching his children and many high school kids how to enjoy work for the very first time. He most enjoyed working with and helping his family, fishing in the Florida Keys, and operating his backhoe.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Gloria Norton Howard; sons, Clayton N. Howard and partner Rebecca Bickmore of East Boothbay, Scott D. Howard and wife Valerie of Harpswell, and Andrew J. Howard of Saco; daughter, Heidi Coffin and husband John of Brunswick; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Donald; and sisters, Ruby Pettingill, Shirley Hersey, and Arlene Tupper.
He was predeceased by his brother, Sheldon.
At his request, a family service will be held at his home on Pemaquid Pond next to the family campground. There will be a celebration of his life with family and friends at the campground next summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, NE Division, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coast of Maine Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.