BANGOR — R. Lewis Bone, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 17, in Bangor.

Buffalo, Mo., was the place this little country boy was raised, fishing, chasing hogs and playing basketball. The U.S. Air Force called him to Maine where he met the love of his life, “Junie Bug,” who gave him the nickname “Zeb.”

In the 1950s along came Debbie, Tommy and Susie. Many years followed with fun summers at East Grand Lake, fishing, hunting and just sitting around with his friends exchanging stories.

What led him to become town manger of Houlton from June 23, 1986, to July 1, 1994, was several town manager positions in Dover-Foxcroft and Hampden. Becoming the director of Auburn Urban Renewal was a passion of his to create new from old. Zeb’s life was full of wonderful jobs that led him to his retirement years living his dream at East Grand Lake. The Masons and Shriners were a very important part of his life, “even though we never knew the secrets.”

He leaves behind his children, Debra Bone Garibotto and her husband, John of Houlton, Thomas Newton Bone and his significant other, Cindy Cox, Susan Valerie Bone and her significant other, Dan Pomerleau, all of Mechanic Falls; grandchildren, Sonya Johnson and her husband, Wayne, of Cumberland, Ryan Bennett and his wife, Tina, of Houlton, Amanda Wheeler of South Portland, Sara Ruminski of Portland; great-grandchildren, Patrick and Michael Johnson, Lena and Austin Bennett; a brother, Wade Bone; sister, Judy Bridges; half sister, Elsie Bailey, all of Missouri; several nieces, nephews and cousins; a special friend, JoAnn Brewer.

He has gone Home to be with the love of his life, June Roberta Walls Bone; his parents, Tip and Ressie Stafford and the loving family that passed before him.

Dad, we’ll take good care of the BONEYARD.

For an online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.