PERU – Richard Louis Worthley, 68, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Rumford Hospital. He was a resident of Auburn Road in Peru.

He was born at Worthley Pond, Peru, on Sept. 26, 1939, a son of the late Alton V. and Pauline (Pouliot) Worthley. He was a graduate of Stephens High School in Rumford and served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was active in politics and civil service serving as Peru selectman and made a run for Maine Legislature. He held an office in the Maine fish and game and also served as a Cub Scout master. He drove for Community Concepts. He faithfully attended the Rumford and Mexico First Baptist Church serving the Lord as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent.

In retirement, Dick and Jean followed their camping passion of wintering in Florence, S.C. They made many close friendships and attended the Community Free Will Baptist Church. He worked security at the KOA Campground as well as Dummer’s Beach in Weld during the summer. He enjoyed the warmth of his campfire and his circle of friends.

He worked as a dairy tester and then for Oxford Paper Co. in the store room and retired from maintenance as a repairable parts and salvage manager for 39 years.

He was married on Sept. 17, 1960, to Jean Gill, who survives, of Peru.

Other survivors include four daughters, Sharon Lee Kennedy and her husband, Carroll, of Rumford, Pennie Lou and husband, Frank Arsenault, of Peru, Lynda Lynn Worthley of Rumford and Carol Louise Palmer and her husband, Randy, of Peru; grandchildren, David Knox, Steven and John Arsenault, Joey Worthley, Ryan and Isaiah Stickney, Brittany and Joshua Palmer.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Robert; and a sister, Ethel.