Elmer Edwards Sr.

HARRISON — Elmer Paul Edwards Sr., 94, of Harrison, died Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Bridgton Hospital.

He was born in Poland, Maine, on Dec. 15, 1923, a son of Leroy and Melissa Anna (Strout) Edwards. Elmer attended school in Poland, and served in WWII from 1941–1944. He was a Darby Ranger from 1942–1944.

On Feb. 3, 2015, he received a Gold Medal of Honor at the United States White House in Washington, D.C.

Elmer married Ruth Brett Flagg on Nov. 17, 1944. They had eight sons and three daughters. Surviving are sons, Josiah, Leroy and Richard of Harrison, Kenneth of Virginia, Elmer Paul Jr. of Oxford, Keith of Casco and Oscar of Fryeburg; and daughters, Bonnie of Harrison and Audrey of Windham. Elmer is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; and his one remaining sister, Margaret Butterfield. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth, a daughter Lucille, and a son Donald.

In Elmer’s younger years, he worked in the woods, was a handyman for Swampscotta Nursing Home, and worked for the town of Harrison as Road Foreman for many years. Then, he loved working in his wood shop making furniture and toys. Up until the age of 93 you could see him almost every day out there, working away.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the VFW Post #9328 at 176 Waterford Road, in Harrison. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m. (rain or shine), at Oakdale Cemetery on Jesse Mill Rd. (Scribners Mills Road) in Otisfield.