AUGUSTA — A loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, Earl Sumner Eustis Jr., 86, died peacefully after a long illness on March 10, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, where he had resided for the past 2½ years.

He was born in Phillips, July 24, 1925, the son of Earl Eustis Sr. and Nettie Steward. As a teenager, he worked in the woods at the side of his father. He was a veteran of World War II, enlisting in the U.S. Navy after graduation from high school, where he served aboard the USS Iowa in the Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of ensign.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he managed a general store in Madrid, then spent many years working for Bronson Griscom as the foreman of a large cattle farm in Phillips. His later years were spent as a meat cutter at Edmunds market, where he made many lasting friendships.

On June 29, 1947, he married Marilyn Wing in a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony at the home of her parents. He always said his greatest accomplishments in life were his five children. He felt blessed by his family and was very proud of, devoted to, and generous with his children.

His greatest pleasure in life was to spend the day with his family by his side having a picnic in his woods or at his beloved “hatchet hill.” His smile, spirit and snapping brown eyes will forever be missed.

He is survived by his five children, Jane Stinchfield, Judy Lisherness, Janice Eustis, James Eustis and Jeffrey Eustis; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister, Maxine Sargent.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Marilyn, in 2011.

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