SOUTH PARIS — Howard Elliot Donahue, 86, of Mineral Springs Road, West Peru, died Wednesday, June 22, at the Maine Veterans’ Home.

He was born in Rumford, Jan. 5, 1925, the son of George and Estella (Elliot) Donahue, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1942.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps on March 8, 1943, attached to the 927th Signal Battalion as a high speed radio operator in the European Theater (Northern Africa).

Howard worked for Maine Central Railroad as a station agent for more than 25 years, then for the Rumford Paper Mill for several years and then as a boiler operator for Stowell – McGregor’s in Dixfield for more than 10 years until retirement in December 1986.

Howard was a member of the Peru United Baptist Church, the Peru American Legion, and the Rumford VFW. Howard thoroughly enjoyed his time spent picking blueberries on Tumbledown, hunting and exploring the woods. His family still enjoys the hunting camp he built in Peru as a young man.

He was married in Peru, June 26, 1949, to Gloria Brown who survives of Peru. Other survivors include daughter, Gail Belyea and husband, Jim, of Mexico; sons, Brian E. Donahue of Dixfield and Stephen Donahue and wife, Roberta, of Dixfield; grandchildren, Karen Roach of Hiawassee, Ga., Edward Joseph Roach of Peru, Mary Donahue Roach of Lynn, Mass., Laurie Donahue and partner, Rob Patnaude, of Mexico, Howard G. Donahue of Dixfield, Randy Donahue of Denver, Colo., Zachary Donahue of Dixfield and Meghann Donahue and partner, Russell Waugh, of Mexico; and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Helen Smith; and brothers, William and Preston Donahue.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.