Edwin Lesley McKown, of Southport, died suddenly on March 3 with his loving family by his side. Edwin was born on Southport Island on Sept. 9, 1921, the son of the late Wadsworth and Mima Burrows McKown. Edwin was a direct descendent of the first settler of Southport and Boothbay Harbor and lived in the region his entire life.
Edwin was a member of the greatest generation and served his country during WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Dec. 14, 1941 and served until Oct. 30, 1945. He trained and served stateside and eventually in the Pacific Theatre from Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and island hopping as far as the Philippines. His unit, the 345th Bomb Group, received two Presidential Citations and Edwin received the Good Conduct Medal.
After the war Edwin returned home, married, and raised a family. He had his own upholstery business for many years as well as working for several shipyards in the Boothbay area, and eventually for the Maine Department of Marine Resources where he retired as a Master Carpenter.
Edwin was predeceased by his brothers, Emerson and Francis; and sister, Thelma Barlow.
He is survived and will be sorely missed by his son, Raymond McKown and wife Magally; daughters, Sheryl and husband Gregory Kehaya, Susan McKown and companion Robert Wilson, and Sarah Blais and husband Robert; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a thoughtful, loving niece Carroll McKown.
Memorial donations may be made to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice or the Boothbay Harbor Historical Society and Museum, PO Box 272, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
Time of visitation 6-8 p.m., Thurs., March 8 at the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay and funeral service 11 a.m., Fri., March 9, also at the funeral home with Pastor Eric James officiating. You are invited to share your condolences, photos and tributes with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
The staff of Simmons, Harrington & Hall is caring for the family.
