Keith Wakefield

OXFORD — Keith E. Wakefield, 63, of Oxford, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, surrounded by his family. Keith fought a long, months-long battle with a rare respiratory illness.

He was born in Bridgton on March 19, 1953.

Keith was a member of the Armed Forces, serving in the Army and stationed in Alaska. Growing up, he worked in his father’s lumber business and then as an adult he also worked in local shoe shops for many years and then went on to drive tractor-trailer trucks. He most recently was a substitute bus driver for SAD 17.

He was an avid motorcyclist and a member of the Redeemed Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He was a member of the Oxford Advent Christian Church, where he taught Sunday school. He also was a discipler/counselor at the Fold Family Ministries in Lyndonville, Vt., as a domestic missionary for two years. He loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the Western Maine Fish & Game. He enjoyed sports, especially NASCAR and football. He loved doing things with his family, who was very special to him. He spent a lot of his free time with his brother and best friend, Arthur, which would always include a competition on who could tell the best worst joke of the day.

He was married to Terri McGray Wakefield for the last 27 years. Together, they were the proud parents of Jennifer Emrich of Norway, Casandra Leeman of Oxford, Heather Bossie of Rumford, Elizabeth Wakefield of Oxford and Toby Kane of Oxford. He was the proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren. He has numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife, Bertha Wakefield.

He grew up in Harrison, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Wakefield, who predeceased him. He was the brother to Arthur Wakefield of South Paris and Ann Smith of Canton, Ga.

He was predeceased by brothers, Everett, Bernard and Rodney Wakefield.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

A celebration of life was held at the Oxford Advent Christian Church, 1130 Main Street (Route 26) in Oxford at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. Following the service, there was a light lunch served and then a Last Ride procession led by the Redeemed Riders.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keith Wakefield You Caring page toward funeral and medical expenses at https://www.youcaring.com/keith-wakefield-634518/donate#wp or to your own favorite charity in his honor.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.