Estern Herbert Wellman, 94, of Washington, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22 at MaineGeneral Hospital in Augusta after a period of declining health.
Estern was born in Washington on Sept. 14, 1916, the son of the late Alton and Catherine Fitzpatrick Wellman. He attended local Washington schools until leaving due to illness. After recovering from his illness he began to work in the woods, a job that he always remembered fondly. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his military service he held various positions including working at the Augusta State Hospital, later moving on to the VA Center in Framingham, Mass. and finally ending his career at the Togus VA Hospital in Augusta.
During his retirement he enjoyed spending time woodworking, creating things like clocks, dry sinks, and jam cabinets. He loved to tend to his vegetable garden, having a special knack for growing corn and cucumbers. He was an avid reader, always anxious to learn new things. In his younger years he loved to hunt and fish and be outdoors. The family described him as a very knowledgeable self-taught man. He was the oldest living resident of the town of Washington, receiving the golden Boston Post Cane in 2009. He was a member of the Mount Olivet Masonic Lodge #203 AF & AM in Washington. He was also a member of the Farrar-Ross Post 9437 of the VFW in Washington. He attended church with his wife Christine in South Somerville and Liberty.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Flora Brooker, Celia Flanders, Ernest and Frederick Wellman.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years Christine Wellman of Washington; daughters, Esther Weaver and husband Duane of Jefferson, Elaine Brann and husband Ronald of Jefferson and Ellen Fitzpatrick of Alameda, Cal.; stepsons: William Orne and wife Dolly of Sarasota, Fla. and Michael Orne and wife Dale of Friendship; brother, Owen Wellman and wife Arlene of Washington; sister, Evelyn Marriner and husband Maynard of Belfast; brother-in-law, Roland Flanders of Washington; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces nephews and cousins.
Graveside service will be held in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.
You are invited to share your condolences with the Wellman family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
