Harold J. Witham

1931 – 2009

AUBURN – Harold J. Witham 78, a resident of the Lewiston Road, New Gloucester passed away peacefully Monday, July 6, at the Hospice House with his family by his side.

He was born in Rockland, July 4, 1931, the son of John P. and Rachie (Edwards) Witham.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and then married the former Betty Bryant on Sept. 3, 1954.

For most of his life, he served in the food industry beginning as a cook in the Army to a cook for 22 years at the Sam’s Restaurants as well as owning and operating the former Mario’s Restaurant in Poland on Tripp Lake. He also served as a bus driver for the Auburn School District for 19 years.

He and his wife, Betty were active members of the East Auburn Baptist Church, where he was affectionately known as Captain Harold with the Christian Service Brigade, for more than 50 years, a nationwide youth church organization.

His real enjoyment was spending time with his family such as family gatherings, and trips especially to Pemaquid where he would stop and cook breakfast for his family along the way to the beach.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of New Gloucester; three sons, John P. Witham and his wife, Ruth, of New Ipswich, N.H., James H. Witham and his wife, Jacqueline, of Cumberland and Timothy E. Witham and his wife, Kimberly, of Greene; two daughters, Pamela W. Bell and her husband, Stephen, of Milton, Vt., and Lori L. Lewis and her husband, Erik, of North Monmouth; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.