1924 – 2003

LEWISTON – Donald G. Hotham, 78, of 740 Hancock St., Rumford, passed away on Sunday, July 20, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, surrounded by the family that he considered to be his greatest blessing.

He was born in Rumford on Aug. 12, 1924, the son of Rupert and Thelma (Wyman) Hotham. He attended Rumford schools, and spent one year at the Hinkley School for Children before obtaining his diploma from Stephens High School of Rumford.

After school, he enlisted in the United States Marines, and spent three years fighting for his beloved America in the Pacific Theater. Corporal Hotham was seriously wounded in the battle for Guam on Aug. 1, 1944, and was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1945. He was very proud of his service to his country, and his entire life was a reflection of the principles and values that he learned and shared with his comrades in arms.

After his discharge from the Marines, he married his sweetheart, the former Jacqueline A. Fournier of Mexico. The marriage took place in Waukeshau, Wis., on June 30, 1945, and the couple moved back to Rumford where they would spend the next 58 years. They raised three sons in the Rumford area, and were very proud of all three. His wife and the boys were the centerpiece of his life, and all of his hard work and accomplishments were dedicated to his family.

He spent almost 40 years working for the paper companies of Rumford, retiring in 1985 from Boise Cascade. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Rumford, and many of his family members are still active with the church. He allowed himself just one small diversion in life, and that was golf. In recent years, he spent many happy hours playing golf with his youngest son, Randy.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans of America. He was a Past Master and former secretary of Blazing Star Masonic Lodge #30 of Rumford, and a member of the Kora Temple Shrine of Lewiston.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, of Rumford; his son, Ted of Randolph; and his son Randy and his wife Trish of Dixfield. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Daren of Buxton, Stacie of Westbrook, Brian of South Portland, and Kimberly of Dixfield; five great-grandchildren, Alexander, Ashleigh, and Nathaniel Hotham of Buxton, and Christopher and Michael Bumby of Westbrook; a brother-in-law, Edward L. Fournier and his wife, Claire, of Virginia Beach, Va., three nieces; one grand-niece; and several cousins, including a special and loving cousin, Kent Hotham of Gardner.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his devoted step-mom, Fanny (Magoon) Hotham; a son, Gary Hotham; and one sister, Ruperta Bartlett.