WEST BALDWIN — Paul Y. Estes, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at his home.

He was born in West Baldwin on April 4, 1927, the son of Harold W. and Hilda A. (York) Estes. Paul attended Standish High School. In October 1945, he began serving in the United States Army in World War II and was on active duty in Italy. Paul was the oldest World War II veteran in Baldwin until his passing. Upon returning home from the war, Paul married Elizabeth Edgecomb on Dec. 12, 1947. They just recently celebrated their 71st year of marriage.

Paul started his working career at the State Highway Department. Paul began studying nights and weekends and graduated from the National Radio Institute in Washington, D.C. in February, 1954. One day, Paul came home and told Betty that he was going to open Paul’s Radio and TV. Paul had a very successful business that included selling and repairing televisions and radios and installing antennas. He earned numerous awards including trips to Bermuda. Paul was always interested in learning and staying current with technologies. In 1998, he closed his business as repairing televisions became obsolete. In 1972, Paul and his son, Stephen began P. Y. Estes & Son that developed into a very successful business. Paul was active in the company until his late 80s.

Paul was a volunteer member of the West Baldwin Fire Department and received his 50 years of service award. Paul served as fire chief and also the Civil Defense director of Baldwin for several years. In addition, Paul had numerous hobbies including racing stock cars and snowmobiling. He was an excellent craftsman, known for his perfection. Paul built many clocks, model airplanes and boats, and stained glasses pieces that are family treasures.

In 1956, Paul purchased a lot on Barker Pond in Sebago and built a family camp. Paul spent hours driving the boat so his children and grandchildren could waterski or tube. In the 1980s, Paul was the owner of several harness race horses and enjoyed watching them race at Scarborough Downs. In his retirement, Paul found a new hobby of building a model train exhibit of businesses in the Town of Baldwin. Paul leaves a legacy to his family of the importance of hard work, always moving and looking forward, and family. Above all, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather; Stephen and Joanne were his proudest accomplishments.

Paul was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Marilyn; and his brother, Harold Jr.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Elizabeth; son, Stephen P. Estes of Baldwin; daughter, Joanne L. Weatherby of Windham; four granddaughters and two grandsons; brothers, Gary Estes of Baldwin and David Estes of Baldwin; sisters, Shirley Milliken of Baldwin and Nancy Anderson of Baldwin; a special cousin and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street, in Cornish on Sunday, Jan. 13, with a service immediately following at 3 p.m. Spring burial with military honors at the Riverside Cemetery in Cornish will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: West Baldwin United Methodist Church, 26 Douglas Hill Road, West Baldwin, ME 04091.