Corliss Watson

FRYEBURG — Corliss Watson, 88, of Fryeburg, passed away Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Kingfield, son of Clyde and Ora (Durrell) Watson. After graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1948 he joined the United States Army. He served his country in the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star Medal for bravery beyond the call of duty. Upon returning home he worked at jobs around the area. He started and owned many businesses in Fryeburg including Watson Oil Company, Watson Sunoco, Watson Rubbish Removal and Watson Garage.

He was a seventy-year member of the Fryeburg Fire Department, serving as chief for eighteen years. He was past president of the MWV Chief's Association and Western Maine Firemen's Association, a member of Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters, and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He served two years with the State Police Reserves, and was a 50-year member of the Pythagorean Lodge of Masons and Kora Shrine of Lewiston and Valley of Portland Shrine. He was Superintendent of the Firemen's Muster at Fryeburg Fair for forty years, a trustee of Fryeburg Fair, and a member of the first recycling committee of the Town of Fryeburg.

He leaves his wife of 64 years, Shirley (Carlson) Watson; his daughters, Sheila and husband Jock Smith, and Teresa and husband Bob Prouty; his son Clyde and wife Twyla; grandchildren and spouses Hallie and Steve Kenny, Danny and Kerry Smith, Gabe Watson and Jess, Gus and Melissa Watson, Craig and Megan Barry and Kevin Barry; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Shawn, Elizabeth, Emily, Alyssa, Owen, Colin, Sophia, Emma, Cole, Paige, Isabelle, Maddie, Noah and Campbell. He is also survived by his sister Charlotte Eastman; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds at 1 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Pine Grove Cemetery at 4 p.m. If desired, friends may make a memorial contribution to the Fryeburg Firemen's Fund, PO Box 251, Fryeburg, ME 04037, in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.woodfuneralhome.org