1929 – 2014

FARMINGTON — Paul Franklin Meservey, “Pa,” 85, of Rangeley passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1929, in Rome, the son of Almon and Violet (Farnham) Meservey of Belgrade Lakes.

Paul was a 61-year-member of the Masons of Maine, joining the fraternity in 1952 at Vernon Valley Lodge No. 99. In 1990, he affiliated with Kemankeag Lodge No. 213. He held many offices in both lodges, including Master. Paul served as High Priest of Cushnoc Chapter York Rite Masons in 1969 and was a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason affiliated with Valley of Portland and of The Androscoggin. He sang for many officer installation ceremonies throughout the fraternity. He became a Shriner in 1974, joined the singing unit Chanters and went on to serve as Potentate in 1988.

His most loved profession was serving as a state police officer in Troop C, Skowhegan, from 1955 to 1977 when he retired from Troop D, Augusta, as sergeant, head of the Traffic Division of Highway Safety. As a state trooper, he taught at the Criminal Justice Academy. Paul also gave instruction in high-speed pursuit driving, defensive driving and EMT first responders.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman, a dedicated Shriner and enjoyed a good practical joke. He and his wife loved music and entertained many times over the years with their beautiful voices. He also enjoyed “a wee bit of the heather for medicinal purposes.”

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Cullen) Meservey of Rangeley; two children and their spouses, Michael and Kim Meservey of Augusta and Linda and Richard Brink of Harrisburg, Pa.; three step-children and spouses, Valerie and Jeffrey Zapolsky of Rangeley, Pam Ellis of Rangeley and Robert Ellis of Ledyard, Conn.; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Claire and Theo; and brothers, Edward “Buddy” and Harland.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.