FARMINGTON – Byron S. Tripp, 76, of Jay, died early Thursday evening, May 28, at the Sandy River Center for Health Care in Farmington.

He was born on June 13, 1932, in Canton, the son of Charles F. and Elva (Fuller) Tripp.

He attended Canton schools and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

On July 28, 1954, he married Doris Putnam in Livermore Falls.

He worked as an auto mechanic throughout his entire life. During the mid to late-1960s he owned and operated the Esso filling station on the intervale in Farmington. He later worked for the Jay Highway Department, retiring in 1994.

He was passionate about antique cars. His meticulous work restoring and collecting old cars was truly a labor of love. He was involved with the Country Classics Car Club of Franklin County, the Maine region and National Auto Club of America.

He was also an avid coin collector and a member of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 in Jay.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Doris, of Jay; children, Sharon Stearns and her husband, Timothy, of Pembroke, Mass. and Brent Tripp and his wife, Annette, of Temple; grandchildren, Heidi and Kara Tripp and Gregory, Andrew and Benjamin Stearns; two brothers, Marland Tripp of Cape Elizabeth and Gordon Tripp of Strong; and a sister, Jean Harris of Industry.

He was predeceased by several brothers.

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