SOUTH PARIS — The Maine Veterans’ Home has named Eursel Campbell as the Veteran of the Month. Campbell born on Sept. 9, 1918, in Mapleton. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and applied to Bates College. Despite letters of recommendation from his teachers, he was denied entry due to his young age.

He was a talented baseball player and tried out as a pitcher for the Red Sox when he was 19. He also played the alto saxophone and continued to play with the Mapleton Community Band after he graduated. Campbell  moved to Freeport in 1940 and went to work in a shoe shop. He married his sweetheart, Doris, that same year and began a marriage that would last 55 years until her death in 1995.

Campbell enlisted in the Army on Aug. 14, 1944. He served as a clerk and radio operator in both France and Germany and was discharged on May 17, 1946. For his service, he received the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, EAMET Ribbon with one bronze star and the Army of Occupation Ribbon (Germany).

When he returned to Freeport, he began his own business installing and refinishing hard wood floors. The Campbells had three children and enjoyed being grandparents to five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Campbell loved to cook and enjoyed swimming, baseball and fishing.

He came to the Maine Veterans’ Home in 2008 and resides on the B Unit. Staff members said his wonderful sense of humor and constant smile is a blessing to the other residents and staff.