Lionel J. (John) Deschenes
1925 – 2009

AUBURN — Lionel J. (John) Deschenes died Dec. 5, at the Hospice House.

He was born in Lewiston, Feb. 7, 1925, the son of Joseph Arthur and Elmira Belanger Deschenes. He served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne during World War II in the liberation of Europe. He was later transferred to the Army Air Force as sergeant first class and was honorably discharged in 1949.

He went to trade school under the GI Bill and learned the machinist trade. He worked as a machinist and tool and die maker for many years, working in Maine, Connecticut and California, until he was disabled in 1985.

He was a member of American Legion Post 22, New Auburn Social Club and other local social clubs. He was artistically talented and could play a good tune on his harmonica. He could speak French, German and English and a little Italian, especially when he got carried away.

He will be dearly missed by friends and family, especially nephew, Don and Josie Tardif. We are grateful for the good care from Hospice House to make his passing comfortable.