1929 – 2016

FARMINGTON — Wendell Leon Steward, 86, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center in Farmington.

He was born in Sandy River Plantation on May 30, 1929, the son of Richard and Ida (Oakes) Steward. He was educated in the schools of Sandy River Plantation and Rangeley. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Germany. Wendell made his home in Rangeley all of his life. On Aug. 28, 1954, Wendell married Marylyn Campbell in Rangeley.

He was employed at D.C. Morton for 24 years, the U.S. Navy Survival School in Redington for 23 years, the town of Rangeley Highway Department as foreman for 24 years, and he later owned and operated his own crane business, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Rangeley American Legion Post No. 120, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley and the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen Association. In 2012, Wendell was inducted into the Rangeley Loggers Hall of Fame. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, spending time with his grandson on the four wheeler and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marylyn Steward of Rangeley and Farmington; his two sons, Brad Steward of Rangeley and Corey Steward of Phillips; his two daughters, Wendelyn Steward of Strong and Melissa Bean of Dallas Plantation; his two brothers, Ernest Steward Sr. of Wilton and Carmen Steward of Strong; his four sisters, Natalie Carlton of Wilton, Rosalind Brown of New Sharon, Dorothy Savage of Avon, and Joline Adams of Kittery; his grandson, Cody Steward of Strong.

He was predeceased by his infant brother, Otis Steward; his sister, Norene “Pat” Rowe; and his brother, Charles Steward.