Milton G. Severson, 75, of Waldoboro, passed away peacefully on March 23 at Windward Gardens in Camden surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 17, 1938 in Waldoboro, the son of the late Martin and Gertrude Haskell Severson. He grew up in Waldoboro and attended local schools.
He was active with his children and loved spending time with them. All of his girls had horses and they would all compete in rodeo competitions in the area where he would not only watch his girls compete but would work as the time keeper for the event. With his son he would spend time at the racetrack in Unity where he would drive in the local events.
He could always be found in his garage tinkering on a variety of different things. He loved to make birdhouses and would always be working on them. When he was not working on birdhouses, you could find him working on his tractor. He loved his International and would always be tinkering with it. If he was not on his International, he could be found on his Ford tractor “Hoppy.” He was also was proud to drive around his 1983 Ford pickup that is still running strong.
He was a true farmer and loved every minute of it. He would cut and bale his own hay, raise cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses. Most of the animals he would have on the farm were from the Humane Society and were sometimes in rough shape but through his compassion and hard work he was able to make sure they all were taken care of and brought back healthy, happy, and strong. He would also raise chickens by the thousands. He would raise them from day-old chicks until the time they could lay eggs and he would turn right around and do it over again. He did this for over 40 years. He drove a school bus for over 25 years for the Waldoboro schools running the Friendship route where he earned the nickname “Mr. Ugly.”
He loved to be in parades with his horses. He also enjoyed deer hunting and watching NASCAR, his favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr., an allegiance that did not sit well with his family. He was a hard worker and it showed.
He was predeceased by a sister, Rachel Simmons; and brother, Howard Severson.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon Severson of Waldoboro; daughters, Lori Collins and husband Bill of Appleton, Lynn McMurray of Union, and Lisa Severson and husband Bruce Dodge of Rockport; son, MG Severson and wife Cherri Merrifield of Union; brothers, Albert Severson and wife Ronnie of Waldoboro, and Doug Severson and wife Joanne of Waldoboro; grandchildren, Will Collins and wife Lisa, James McMurray, Bruce Dodge Jr., Donovan Dodge and wife Ariel, Kelsey Grant, and Brianna Feyler; great-great-grandchildren, Elijah and Jayden Dodge; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at the home of Milton and Sharon at a later date.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Milton’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photographs with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
