LEWISTON — Frank P. Paul, 87, of Lisbon died at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion July 5.

He was born in Auburn Feb. 18, 1924, the son of the late Frank P. Paul and Mildred E. (Morrell) Paul. He spent his childhood on Cape Cod and was educated in the schools of Falmouth Mass. He graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1942. He entered the U.S. Navy Feb. 2, 1943, and attended machinist’s Mate school in Dearborn, Mich. He served aboard the Battleship USS North Carolina during World War II, the BB55 was the first battleship to be fired on by the Japanese and it participated in all major battles in the Pacific. He received the WWII Victory Metal, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 11 stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star.

He married Theresa G. Bowie Aug. 9, 1944, and they made their home in Lisbon. He was a member of the Lisbon United Methodist Church and served as secretary and treasurer for 12 years. He was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the E.J. Smith Hose Co. and retired after 40 years of service.

He was president and foreman of the E Torrent No. 1 antique hand tub association and won recognition, trophys and ribbons in competition throughout New England. Frank was past master and longtime member of the Ancient York Lodge. He was employed by the Raytheon Semi Conductor in Lewiston until it’s closing. He then transferred to Fairchild in South Portland. He retired in 1987. He was an avid reader and will be remembered for his knowledge and research on American war ships.

In 1987, his interest turned to rebuilding the Waterville, Wiscasset and Farmington Narrow Gauge Railroad that went off the tracks in 1938. The project began with 7 volunteers and by 2003 the dream was realized. The museum is open to the public. He served as the Head Conductor and Good Will Ambassador.

He is a life member to the North Carolina Battleship Association and the Waterville, Wiscasset and Farmington Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum of Portland.

Frank and his wife Theresa spent their summers at their retirement home in Cundy’s Harbor, where they enjoyed living by the sea, and the sails up the coast in their sailboat.

His greatest pleasure was family gatherings and the time he spent with his great-granddaughter. He and his wife spent winters in Zephyrhills, Fla., where they had many, many great friends.

In 2001, he and his wife received a great honor when they were chosen Royalty of Sleepy Hollow Mobil park.

He is survived by one daughter, Jeanne and her husband, Walter Plummer; one granddaughter, Lorri Bosse and her husband, Michael; one great-granddaughter, Jessy Bosse, who was his pride and joy.

The family will miss his warm smile, his happy laughter and his loving gentle ways.

Frank was predeceased by his wife of 66 years this past May, Theresa (Bowie) Paul.

A special thankyou is sent to all the special people for the respectful and living care received at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion and Androscoggin Hospice.

Family and friends may offer their condolences to the Paul family by visiting www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.