LEWISTON — Ernest Leroy Souther Jr., 98, passed away peacefully the afternoon of Thursday, March 14, at Central Maine Medical Center, with his loving family and friends by his side.

He was born Jan. 6, 1915, in Lawrence, Mass., the son of Ernest L. Souther Sr. and Mary (Foster) Souther. He moved to Livermore Falls with his parents and a younger sister, Hilda to what became known as the “Souther Family Farm” in April 1919.

With sister Hilda, he started school in Shuy, a mile distance from home and graduated from Livermore Falls High School, with his sister in 1934. He played football his senior year and was involved in school plays, later in Grange plays.

He married Melvina Clark on Oct. 13, 1940. The Norway pine that he proposed marriage to her by still stands. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2011, she passed away about two weeks later. Crop farming and wood harvest provided their income the first seven to 10 years of their life together. With the growing family more income needed Leroy went to work where employment was available at International Paper Co., the local paper mill in Jay. He retired many years later in 1980.

Always interested in his woodlot, upon retirement from the paper mill, he devoted much time for the last 30 years or more to the harvesting and improvement of that parcel of land. His primary interest was in growing fir trees for the Christmas trade and the poorer trees for fir tips. He was seen cutting fir tips on many of the warmer days of this past winter and as recently as the 10th of this month.

Throughout the years, he won several tree farm awards. In his teens, Leroy developed a strong muscular body, mid-sized young man, a body that was aided by vigorous farm related work. He enjoyed wrestling with school mates, whether he won or lost. Sometimes he was known to be boxing with a cousin.

Leroy maintained a strong muscular body, with great stamina until recent years when health issues became inhibiting factors. He was the oldest living member of the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls and had attended quite regularly the last 15 months and missed only one of the monthly hymn sings that he enjoyed. Leroy was also a past master of the New Norlands Grange in Livermore Falls.

Those left behind include his sons, Clark and his wife, Helen, Wilbur, Waldo and former wife, Vicki and Ernest III, “Ernie” and wife, Rhonda; brothers, Stuart and Harold; special nephew and caregiver, Edward Livermore Jr.; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Melvina, the love of his life; sister, Hilda Corkum; daughter-in-law, Patty Souther; granddaughter, Julie; and grandson, Thomas “Tommy” Souther.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.