1938 – 2014

LISBON FALLS — Charles Albert Samson Jr., known to many as Bud, 75, of Green Street in Lisbon Falls, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Dec. 23, 1938, a son of the late Charles and Dorothy (Kennedy) Samson Sr. He married the love of his life, Nancy Bowie, on April 29, 1961.

Bud proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1955. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), USS Gearing (DD710), USS Bristol (DD857), USS Klondike (AR-22), USS Kawishiwi (A-0146) and the USS Macdonough (DLG-8). He was also a plank owner and part of the commissioning crew of the Macdonough, and did a shore duty at Brunswick Naval Air Station in the security department. He also spent 18 months at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif.

During his naval career, he attended many schools pertaining to air conditioning, refrigeration and compressed air. He received the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Medal. He was stationed in Virginia, Charleston, S.C., Brunswick and San Diego, Calif. While on ship duty, he crossed the equator a few times and was on the ship that captured the Santa Maria and the Cuban Blockade. He made six Mediterranean cruises and three cruises to the Far East — including Vietnam and a Solant Amity Cruise. He retired from the Navy on May 14, 1969, due to medical reasons.

After retiring from the Navy, Bud worked at McDonald’s and Sears. He then went on to pursue a college education at the University of Southern Maine, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in vocational education. He completed this four-year degree in two years, graduating in 1973. He later received his master’s in education, also from USM, in 1976.

Bud taught special education at Capital Area Regional Vocation Center in Augusta and at Lisbon High School. During his teaching career, he also served as class adviser and student government adviser, and was on the graduation committee. He retired from teaching in 1991.

He was Cub Scout chairperson for Pack 109 and introduced them to the first pancake breakfast. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 66, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Education Association of Retirees and the Senior Cribbage Club, a past member of the Lisbon Lobster Club and served as a board member of Parents Against Tired Truckers.

Bud was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He truly enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed fly-fishing with his good friend, Gene Brown, and trips to Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Samson, of Lisbon Falls; two sons, Scott Samson and his wife, Barbara, of Lisbon Falls and Steven Samson and wife, Christine, of Auburn; a daughter, Cynthia Roberts and her husband, Richard, of Lisbon Falls; six grandchildren, Geoffery Samson, Megan Samson, Joshua Roberts, Derek Roberts, Molly Samson and Emma Samson; a sister, Beverly Mclean and her husband, Ralph, of Cumberland Foreside; a brother, Jack Samson and wife, Elsie Louise; brothers-in-law, Jack Bowie and wife, Emily, of Charlotte, N.C., and Douglas Bowie of Puerto Rico; sisters-in-law, Sharon Strout and husband, Everett, of Claremont, N.H., and Deborah Gosselin and husband, Marc, of Webster, N.H.; a special cousin, Linda Bowie; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Jim and Stacy Hayward; and a dear friend, Harry Kerop.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Charles’ life by visiting his guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.