Lawrence Estes

SOUTH PARIS – Lawrence Estes, 87, passed away from Leukemia on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at Maine Medical Center with his children by his side.

Born Feb. 28, 1933 in West Paris, to Leslie and Martha (Porter) Estes. Lawrence was a 1953 graduate of Paris High School. He went into the Army after high school and received a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

He met the love of his life, Harriett, at Paris Manufacturing; he was picking up and delivering goods as a truck driver and she worked in the office. Together they raised a loving family. He proudly told anyone who would listen about his beautiful wife and their 61 years of marriage.

Lawrence was a truck driver for Sanborn’s Motor Express and later for APA. He drove long haul early on and then for many years delivered in Maine and New Hampshire. He competed in Truck Driving Roadeo’s and was especially proud when he won a trip to Cincinnati to compete nationally. He absolutely loved driving his rig and meeting people on his route. He was also a volunteer firefighter for the town of South Paris for several years.

Lawrence retired from truck driving 25 years ago and then enjoyed many trips by motorhome. He and Harriett travelled the U.S. and Canada and one of his favorite trips was to Alaska. After retirement he spent many days working alongside his son; he also found a new passion for snowmobiling.

He is survived by his daughters, Deb Millett of Oxford, Barbie Cox and her husband, Steve of Oxford, Elaine Newell and her significant other, Miguel Gonzalez of Oxford, Karen Harper and husband, Jay of South Portland and a son, Carleton Estes and wife, Rita of Casco; his brother Sherwood and wife, Alberta of Harrison; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as countless other family and friends that will miss him.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Harriett; his parents, Leslie and Martha; and his grandson, Brian Millett; and seven of his brothers. He was at peace and ready to join Harriett in heaven.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a friendly, hard-working, out-going man who loved to joke and make people smile and laugh and thought no one was a stranger. He was incredibly active, riding snow machines, going out for breakfast with best friends and following the adventures of his family. He enjoyed helping others and loved being a member of South Paris Congregational Church. He adored watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports! His family was blessed to have him.

Due to Covid, masks and social distancing will be required. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris, with a private family service following. Those unable to attend can view the service on our website, http://www.chandlerfunerals.com under Lawrence’s obituary as well as leave condolences for his family. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the

Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine

199 Maine St.

Norway, ME 04268

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