WATERVILLE — Lester Harold Fitch, 94, of New Sharon, passed away Jan. 5, at Inland Hospital, after a long illness.

He was born March 25, 1916, in New Sharon, the son of Albert and Georgia (Etta) Fitch. He was born in the home where he spent 89 years of his life. Lester was educated in New Sharon schools and graduated from New Sharon High School in 1934.

On June 22, 1947, he married Anita Florence Oakes in Farmington. Lester continued watching over the family dairy farm. He was sole caretaker of his parents for nearly a year. Upon the death of his father, Lester and Anita cared for and ran their dairy farm for 35 years. In 2005, they moved to Waterville to live in an apartment in their daughter’s home.

He was a member of the Franklin Lodge 123 A.F.& A.M., a lifetime member of the New Sharon United Methodist Church, a former member of the New Sharon Grange and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Lester was a very humble man, a loving, kind father and grandfather, a good friend to all and dedicated to his work. He took great pride in his family, his home and his friends.

Lester is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anita; his son, Brian and his wife, Naomi, of New Sharon; his daughter, Beth Anne of Waterville; grandsons, Jesse Lester and Hunter Tyler Collins of Waterville; a very dedicated ex-son-in-law, Jay Collins of Winslow; a brother-in-law, David McClusky of Jay; and a niece, Marjorie Neal of Farmington.

Those wishing may send on-line condolences to the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.