LEWISTON — Robert B. Hamel, 85, of Turner, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, Nov. 3, with his loved ones by his side at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Auburn, Oct. 23, 1927, the son of Oliver and Marieanne LaChapelle Hamel. He grew up on the family farm in Hebron. While still a young boy, he worked on neighboring farms milking cows before attending school.

In 1948, he moved to Turner, where he met the love of his life, the former Joyce Stevens, and they were married Dec. 23, 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Campaign and when discharged came back to Turner and worked for Prince Farm Orchards for five years.

In 1958, he and Joyce fulfilled their life-long dream of owning their own dairy farm when they purchased a farm on Harlow Hill Road in Turner. They worked the farm, along with their daughter, Diane Smith, and their son, Norris and his wife, Penny. He loved working on his farm with his animals and listening to music. His family meant everything to him.

He was a member of the Maine Farm Bureau, Holstein Association, the American Legion Post 22, and the Lewiston Order of Elks.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years; his son, Norris and Penny; his daughter, Diane and Ted Smith; two granddaughters, Rainey Veilleux and Faith Picard; a grandson, Joshua Smith; great-grandsons, Robert and Jesse Truitt and Kalen Clark; great-granddaughters, Lilly Smith and Malia Clark; grandson-in-law, Robert Truitt; sisters, Irene Beaucage, Gloria Michaud and Gerald, Georgette Hamel and Charles Monteith, Jane Campbell and Bill, Anne Lowell and David; a brother, Roland; a brother-in-law, Robert Sprague; many nieces and nephews; and wonderful friends, John and Michelle Bennett.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Valerie Saunders and Theresa Sprague.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kahn and the nurses in the ICU at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

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