OWLS HEAD – Leon K. Bemis, 88, of Owls Head, formerly of Leavitt Avenue, Lewiston, died Dec. 8, in Owls Head, where he had resided for the past two years.

Born in Brownville on April 21, 1915, he was the son of Ezra and Nellie (Copeland) Bemis. He attended Brownville Jct. High School.

After living in Gardiner and Hampden, he moved with his family to Lewiston in 1951. He was married for 63 years to Julia B. (McGrath) Bemis, who passed away Aug. 31, 2000.

As a World War II Army veteran, he served as a Sergeant with the 2nd Infantry Division. The Presidential Citation Combat Infantry Badge, four Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and a Bronze Star were among the honors awarded during his tours of duty in France, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia.

He was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He retired in 1976, after working as meat manager at various Lewiston grocery stores, as well as being employed at Snows Inc. After his retirement, he was employed part time at Service Merchandise.

He was an avid gardener and enjoyed woodworking in his retirement years.

Survivors include two sisters; Elizabeth Chase, of Brownville Jct., and Rosalie Fogg, of Lake Placid, Fla.; two daughters, Maxine and her husband, Philip Ruggles, of Las Vegas, Nev., Patricia and her husband, Walter Wotton, of Owls Head; a son, Robert and his wife, Suzanne Bemis, of Sun City Center, Fla.; six grandchildren, Robert Jr. and his wife, Gina Bemis, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Major Scot and his wife, Brianne Bemis, of Illesheim, Germany, Judy and her husband, Larry Russell, of Corona, Calif., John Ruggles of Oxnard, Calif., Tracey and her husband, Chris McDermott, of Abington, Mass., Stacey and her husband, Tony Fournier, of Auburn; nine great-grandchildren, Bobby, Scotty, Abby, Bret, Michelle, Robby, Nick, Caitlin, and Erin; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by five brothers, Linwood, Harold, Nat, Charles, and Manley; and three sisters, Ruth Stiles, Helen Vose, and Pauline Tufts.

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