SOUTH PARIS — Oliver Irving Blood Sr., 90, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, where he had resided for the past 26 months.

Oliver was born in Mexico, Nov. 15, 1921, to Lisco and Mona (Capen) Blood. He was educated in Mexico schools, graduating in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. After returning home, he was employed at BIW and then finished out his career as an electrician at Oxford Paper Co. retiring in 1984, after 40 years.

In 1942, he married the love of his life, Francis (Ellis) Blood, who passed away on June 3, 2008. They were married 66 years and together they had nine children.

Oliver was a member of the Dixfield American Legion; Mt. Sugarloaf Grange; King Hiram Lodge; Kora Temple; and attended the Dixfield Congregational Church.

In his younger years, Oliver enjoyed golfing with his cousins, camping with family and friends at Kezar Lake in Lovell and Hutchinson’s Beach in Weld, and he also enjoyed the many family gatherings. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Libby and her husband, Richard, of Peru, Fonda Davenport and her husband, Lawrence Jr. (Pete), of Peru, Marilyn Henry and her husband, Stan, of New Gloucester, Mary Emery and her husband, Ronald Jr., of Debary, Fla., and Kathy Irish and her husband, Andrew, of Peru; his sons, Oliver Blood Jr. and his partner, Hazel Dalton, of Jay and Roland Blood and his wife, Dottie, of Rumford; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and one sister, Caroline Smith of East Dixfield.

He was predeceased by his parents; two sons, Ronald and Gary; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Blood.

Oliver’s family would like to thank the Maine Veterans’ Home for the wonderful care and compassion given to him while he was there.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Blood family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.