1934 – 2016

AUGUSTA — Erwin Harold Houdlette, 81, of Gardiner, died on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at MaineGeneral Medical Center surrounded by his family after a short illness.

He was born in Gardiner on Sept. 25, 1934, the son of the late Wilber and Lucille Houdlette.

Erwin graduated from Gardiner High School in 1953 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy.

Erwin was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Vietnam War until his retirement in 1974 with the rank of E-8, senior chief signalman. He then went on to a second career as a clerk at Togus VA Hospital, retiring after 20 years.

Erwin was loved by four grandchildren, Sean and Amanda Bailey and Bradford and Christopher Houdlette; 15 step-grandchildren; and many step-great-grandchildren. He especially loved to care for his youngest grandchildren, Olivia and Brianna.

Erwin is survived by his wife, Jeannine Houdlette of Gardiner; his sister, Merdeen Shain of Hallowell. Erwin had two children from his first marriage, Mark and wife, Stephanie Houdlette, of Pittston and Melodie and husband, Scott Bailey, of Spring, Texas; along with his stepchildren, Diane Gauthier from Lewiston, Richard and Sandra Pearce from Auburn, Linda and John Mihaliki from Florida, Gary and Terri Pearce from Maryland, Daniel Pearce from Hebron, Kathy and Norman Jalbert from Lewiston, Robert and Tracey Pearce from Sabattus and Tammy and Mike Vashon from Richmond.

Erwin was predeceased by his brother, William Houdlette; and his first wife, Gloria (McCormick) Houdlette.

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