DANVILLE – Martin L. Lashua Jr., 81, of the Old Danville Road passed away Thursday, Sept. 28, at his home with his wife of 52 years, Beverly Gilbert Lashua, eight children and other family members at his side.

He was born on June 25, 1925, in Lewiston, the son of Martin Sr. and Helen (Colley) Lashua, attended Pennell Institute in Gray and graduated from Springfield High School, Springfield, Vt.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was later employed as a heavy equipment operator for Blue Rock Industries of Westbrook for more than 25 years, and the Maine Turnpike Authority, retiring in 1988.

He was a member of the AMVETS Post 6 of New Gloucester for more than 40 years, where he was a past commander and lifetime member. He was also a member of the American Legion 86 of Gray, the Danville Grange, Pomona, State and National Grange, Danville Union Church, First Auburn Senior Citizens and Robin Dow Senior Citizens.

He enjoyed watching the Red Sox, crossword puzzles, birdwatching, reading, traveling, bingo and particularly time spent with his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Gary, of Danville, Jim, and wife, Martha, Rick, and wife, Carol, Mike, and wife, Janet, all of Auburn; four daughters, Glendine Thomas Allen, and husband, John, of Powhatan, Va., Diane Phipps, and husband, Fred, of Mechanicsville, Va., Debbi Briggs, and husband, Bob, of Portland and Denise Brooks, and husband, Mike, of Danville; 20 grandchildren, Edward Burnett Jr., Jessica Chalker, Erin Gurney, Ben and Jason McIntyre, Sarah Kelly Heather, Sheena, Elizabeth, Kurt, Drew, Emily and Sarah Lashua, Chris, Scott and Allison Briggs, Kelli McDonald, Heidi and Katie Brooks and Jennifer Laliberte; 15 great-grandchildren, Sam and Elizabeth Gurney, Brodie, Matthew and Eva Kelly, Ian and Brendan McIntyre, Ashley Gagnon, Dillon Dochnahl, Lukas Briggs, Miranda and Tommy McDonald, Madison and McKenzie Brooks, and soon-to-be born, Edward Burnett, III (“Trey”); three brothers, Ralph of Danville, Richard of Auburn and George of Auburndale, Fla.; one sister, Kathy Turner of Grafton Notch, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother-in-law, Alvin Gilbert; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Lashua.

The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, Barbara Smith of Helping Hands, Scott Richards PA, and CMMC Rehabilitation.