Edwin G. Mank, 88, lifelong farmer and retired Waldoboro Postmaster, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Nov. 16, after a long illness.
Ed was born on the family farm in Waldoboro on June 29, 1918, the son of LaForest and Flossie (Winchenbach) Mank. He was a member of the first graduating class of the “new” Waldoboro High School in 1936.
He joined the U.S. Army on March 14, 1941, and was discharged on Aug. 23, 1945 after attaining the rank of sergeant. He served with the 103rd Infantry Regiment 43rd Division in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations and saw combat action in the Philippines and Guadalcanal.
He enjoyed camping in his RV, attending county fairs, and was known to dance the night away from time to time with his wife. His real love was farming. He spent the better part of 80 years tending cattle.
Ed was a member of the Charles C. Lilly American Legion Post #149, Soule-Shuman VFW Post 4525, the White Oak Grange, and served over 50 years with King Solomon Lodge #61 AF & AM. He was also the last member of the Rural Cemetery Association.
He was predeceased by his brother, LaForest Burnell Mank, who was killed in action during WWII.
He is survived by his wife, Frances (House) Mank, of Waldoboro; stepchildren, Cindy Santheson and husband Kyle of Waldoboro, Jerome Farrin and wife Lilla of New Harbor, Patrick Farrin and wife Robin of Boothbay, and Rebecca Dolloff and Ruth Farrin, both of Boothbay; sister, Margaret (Mank) Matson of Union; nephew, Edward Matson, Sr. of Union; long-time farmhand and friend, Greg Peabody of Waldoboro; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; grand nieces and grand nephews; and cousins.
Graveside service for family and friends 1 p.m., Mon., Nov. 20 at the Rural Cemetery in Waldoboro.
Memorial donations may be made to Miles Home Health/Hospice, Miles Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
