PALM COAST, Fla. – Willis “Bucky” Frederick Dunham, 83, born Oct. 11, 1924, in Dixfield, passed peacefully at his home in Palm Coast, Fla., on March 9, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a World War II veteran, serving aboard the USS Manatee (AO-58), one of the last serving members of the original crew, in the South Pacific. He had four tours abroad with the state department in Saipan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, spanning the 1950s through the early 1970s.

Willis was an avid member of the 32nd Degree Masonic Lodge, CIRA, VFW, ELKS, and Meals on Wheels associations, “always helping others.”

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jerry; four sons, “born in” Tom (Maine), Jim (Washington, D.C.), Bret (Saipan), John (Japan); one daughter, Shannon (Korea); grandchildren, Ryan, Chaz, Summer, Rachel and Kelly, who knew him as “Bumpa” and “Poppop;” two sisters, Norene and Maxine; and one brother, Robert.