1932 – 2016

LEWISTON — Richard Stephen “Steve” Drane, Ph.D., passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, at Central Maine Medical Center, with two of his daughters at his side, after a long battle with diabetic and cardiac illnesses.

Steve was born Nov. 23, 1932, in Shelbyville, Ky. He was raised on a large working farm in Emminence, Ky., by parents, Christine Prewitt Drane and Richard Stephen Drane. Steve was married 47 years to Josephine Scala Drane and spent much of those years in their North Auburn home.

With no shortage of enthusiasm for life, religion, people and the natural world, Steve inspired others until the twilight of his life. He didn’t care if you were from Yale or jail — if you had an interesting story he was ripe for conversation.

As an ordained minister he worked as a chaplain, minister and pastoral counselor, but his love of religion had no bounds. After countless medical procedures, Steve would often comment to his wife or children on the wonderful interaction he had with his Jewish or Hindu doctor, Muslim nurse or Catholic caretaker.

His other employments included Tri-County Mental Health, St. Mary’s Hospital, Poland Spring Job Corps and DHHS. Steve’s love of the environment inspired his involvement with the master gardener program at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Ginseng Growers of Maine, MOFGA, Common Ground Fair, Maine Mycological Association, Foster Grandparent Program and years of wild edible walks and talks.

The family wishes to thank all of Steve’s caregivers over the many years — physicians, nurses, United Ambulance staff and more.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Drane; son, Stephen Drane with wife, Cynthia Drane and grandchildren, Rory and Victoria; daughter, Laura Drane; daughter, Christine Drane O’Connor with husband, Sean O’Connor and grandchildren, Zachary and Jared; daughter, Carlotta Drane Girouard with husband, John Girouard and grandchild, Eli.