1930 – 2014

WEST PARIS — Phelps Poland, 83, beloved husband, father, grampa, uncle and friend, died at home on Friday, Jan. 17, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Aug. 7, 1930, the son of Leon L. and Helen Benson Poland. Phelps was the person everyone went to when something needed fixing or someone needed something. He was a quiet doer, who always saw what was needed.

He married Joan (Tamminen) in 1950. For 63 years, they were the epitome of devotion to each other and to their family.

Phelps had strong ethics and was a hard worker. He attended the Woodstock Seventh-day Adventist Church and had been a Boy Scout committee member. He was also a baseball coach, and was instrumental in building Derby Hill and several baseball fields. He was on the West Paris Planning Board, Budget Committee and Water District Committee.

Phelps was employed for 28 years at Benson Coal and Oil, and for 22 years in maintenance at Ledgeview Living Center. After retiring, he plowed for Bill Coolidge for several years. His hobbies were keeping a beautiful lawn and doting on his family.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Terry (Phil) Merrill; son, Todd Poland; daughter, JoAnna (Scott) Southard; grandchildren, Molly and Kleet Southard, Erik Poland and companion, Leah Weston, Diana Dunn (Jon), Amy (Daniel) Bru and Andrew (Lissa) Merrill; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his dear son, Timothy; three sisters; and four brothers.

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

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