1953 – 2016

SCARBOROUGH — Keith E. Wakefield, 63, of Oxford went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 30, surrounded by his family. Keith fought a long, monthslong battle with a rare respiratory illness.

He was born in Bridgton on March 19, 1953. He was married to Terri McGray Wakefield for the last 27 years. Together they were the proud parents of Jennifer Emrich and her husband, Timothy, of Norway, Casandra Leeman of Oxford, Heather Bossie of Rumford, Elizabeth Wakefield of Oxford, and Toby Kane of Oxford. He was the proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren, Robert Emrich, Troy Rogers, Kurt Hersey, William Emrich, Risa Rogers, Savannah Emrich, Elizabeth Emrich, Mason Kane, Travis Wakefield and Emma Varnum. He grew up in Harrison, the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Wakefield, who predeceased him. He was the brother to Arthur Wakefield and his wife, Linda, of South Paris and Ann Smith of Canton, Ga. He was predeceased by brothers, Everett, Bernard and Rodney Wakefield. He has numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife, Bertha Wakefield.

Keith was a member of the U.S. armed forces, serving in the Army and stationed in Alaska. Growing up, he worked in his father’s lumber business and then as an adult he worked in local shoe shops for many years and went on to drive tractor-trailer trucks. He most recently was a substitute bus driver for SAD 17. He was an avid motorcyclist and a member of the Redeemed Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He was a member of the Oxford Advent Christian Church where he taught Sunday school. He also was a discipler/counselor at the Fold Family Ministries in Lyndonville, Vt., as a domestic missionary for two years.

He loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the Western Maine Fish & Game. He enjoyed sports, especially NASCAR and football. He loved doing things with his family, who were very special to him. He spent a lot of his free time with his brother and best friend, Arthur, which would always include a competition on who could tell the best worst joke of the day.

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