1910 – 2003

LEWISTON – Roland E. Ranger, 92, of New Vineyard Road in Farmington, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, at the Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 2, 1910, in Temple, a son of the late Oscar L. and Abbie M. (Derby) Ranger. As a child he attended the little red schoolhouse in Temple. On Nov. 29, 1933 in Farmington he married the former Evelyn Knowles of Livermore Falls.

He was a grain dealer, building his own store, Ranger Feed Store, in 1945 near Railroad Station on Front Street, which is now the Forget-Me-Not Gift Shop. He operated the store for 12 years.

He and Evelyn owned and operated Stanwood Park Pavilion Dance Hall on the Farmington Falls Road in the early 1950’s. He then became a self-employed contractor with his tractor/backhoe for 17 years, retiring in 1974. Mr. Ranger enjoyed his family, gardening and woodworking. Recently he became a builder of birdhouses.

In addition to his wife of 70 years, Mr. Ranger is survived by three sons, Gearry and his wife Sally of Pemaquid, John Ranger and his wife Carol of Standish, Michael and his wife Nancy of Missouri; a daughter, Patricia Nurse and companion Kenneth Mitchell of Farmington; a sister, Beryl Smith of Farmington; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Arthur, Herbert and Lewis.