SKOWHEGAN – Maurice W. Hovey, 101, passed away on Oct. 30, 2021 at the Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital in Skowhegan. He was born on August 13, 1920, on the Hovey Homestead in Farmington Falls, the fourth child of Lewis B., and Lydia E. (Snell) Hovey.

Maurice attended the Farmington Falls school and graduated from Farmington High School in 1939. His dream was to become an entertainer, but his father, Lewis, had developed health issues, so Maurice stayed on the dairy farm.

On June 9, 1940, Maurice married Beatrice A. West of Wilton. They set up housekeeping on the second story of the Hovey family home and were married for 54 years. They had two sons, David and Donald.

As WW2 developed, Maurice felt it was his duty to serve, but was told by the army, it was more important for him to stay on the farm and “milk those cows for our boys.” In the 1960’s, he gave up the dairy business and raised beef cattle until the late 1990’s.

Maurice worked as a night custodian at the Franklin Savings Bank in Farmington. He worked for over 30 years as a clerk at the Farmington Farmers Union, where he gained a reputation for his customer service, being helpful to everyone, and knowing where everything was in the store, plus what it was used for. When the computer age took over, Maurice decided it was time to retire.

Maurice was well known in Central Maine for his harmonica playing and smooth singing voice. He began entertaining around the neighborhood when he was young. Raising a family and running the farm took much of his time, but in the 1990’s he began to perform in public once again. Maurice played alone, with his son David, the Silv’ry Seasons, CJ Green, and in local nursing homes until COVID-19 appeared. He played during the Offertory at the Union Baptist Church in Farmington Falls for 18 years and at age 100, entered the “Farmington’s Got Talent” contest and won. Maurice always had at least one harmonica in his pocket, and often several, one for each key. He made two CD’s with the Silv’ry Seasons, and two more with his son, David, featuring jigs, reels, and church music.

He is survived by his sons, David W. Hovey and wife June of Skowhegan, Donald M. Hovey of Chicago; two grandchildren, Shannon Carlock, Erin Hayden and husband Stewart; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Carlock, and Zachary and Silas Hayden; plus many nieces and nephews.

Maurice was predeceased by his parents; wife Beatrice, a brother, Chester R. Hovey, two sisters, Evelyn E. Swain, Hazel M. Smith; and a nephew, Lawrence E. Smith.

A celebration of life and burial will be held in the spring.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

Donations in his memory may be made to:

Union Baptist Church of Farmington Falls

Attn: Diane Maberry

Asst. Treasurer

122 Valley Rd.

Chesterville, ME 04938 or:

Franklin County Animal Shelter

550 Industry Rd.

Farmington, ME 04938

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