Herman Elston

WINDHAM — Herman “Bud” Elston, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.

The son of Charles and Effie Elston, he was born in Lewiston on May 15, 1934. He grew up in the North Deering area of Portland and graduated from Deering High School, where he played in the band and football. He earned a scholarship in football to Bates College. He interrupted his college education when the Korean War broke out and joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Great Britain for four years. While there, he met and married Prudence Falch of London. After serving in the military, he enrolled in the University of Tulsa on the G.I. bill and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology. Upon completing college, he rejoined the Air Force and went to officer’s training school. He served the rest of his career in the Air Force, retiring as a major. After retirement, he returned to Maine, settling in Windham, and worked for a time at Crosby Foundry in Portland as a risk manager.

Bud enjoyed coin and token collecting. His passion was playing cribbage, joining area cribbage clubs and serving as club president. He also enjoyed fishing, especially on Moosehead Lake and Lake Ontario.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Prudence Elston; his seven children, Sara Mack of Windham, Stephanie Elston of Windham, Dr. Leslie Elston of Casco, Laurie Champagne of Saco, Jennifer McNally of Arizona, Jared Elston of Windham and Alex Elston of Windham; and six grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of the Windham Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee. Please visit www.dolbyblaissegee.com to view Bud’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bud’s memory to: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook ME 04098.