Stanley Ray Walker

NORWAY – Stanley Ray Walker, known by his grandchildren as “Papa,” his best friend as “Sirus,” and his extended family as “Dingy,” passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2024, at the age of 88.

He was one of 16 children born at his family’s home in Bethel on March 3, 1935. The son of Gerald “Gay” Walker, Sr. and Margaret “Mother” Walker, Stan was a lifelong resident of Bethel, graduating from Gould Academy in 1954. He served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960 and was aboard the U.S.S. Spikefish as Engineman in charge when the submarine made its 10,000th career dive (a record mark for submarines).

Stan married Hilda J. Henley in 1959 and, a year later, welcomed his first of three daughters. He was a hard-working family man, logging with horses with his brothers for many years. Eventually, he worked at the Rumford Paper Mill until his retirement, when he was able to take a big road trip to Alaska, enjoying many stops along the way.

Once home, he continued to do everything he loved, including hunting with his brothers, son-in-law Steve, and lifelong friend Ernest Mason. As Ernest and Stan grew older, they spent as much time talking and reminiscing in the early morning hours before the hunt as actual time spent in the woods hunting.

Stan also loved fishing and sharing that love with his daughters when they were young by taking them with him, but you can imagine how much more enjoyable it must have been when his grandsons came along who didn’t mind baiting their hook or releasing any fish that they caught.

Stan was an animal lover and rescuer. Growing up, we had a “turtle sanctuary” in our backyard, bunnies, dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, ferrets, and even a baby skunk for some time. That love of animals was passed down to all of us daughters. Still, we didn’t realize then what he was genuinely teaching us: compassion, empathy, responsibility, and protecting something vulnerable when you see it.

Stan enjoyed playing cards. In his younger years, he often played “63” with neighborhood friends; then it was “Oscar” on Wednesday family nights. Recently, he played Cribbage with his daughter Sandy a few days a week and would get the biggest grin when he won, which was a little too often.

Stan was blessed to have had his grandson Holden and his wife Kaitlyn share his home for many years, allowing him to live independently for much longer than he could have without them. Thank you for your love and support, Holden and Kaitlyn.

A year ago, he was moved to an assisted living facility after suffering a stroke. While there, he was able to have many visitors, including Gail, Terri, and Phyllis, his sisters, stopping by to see him each week. Thank you for making his days so much brighter.

We sincerely thank Market Square Memory Care in South Paris, Stephens Memorial Hospital, and Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, whose staff are truly a blessing.

Stan was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Margaret Walker; his siblings Roland, Geraldine, Harold, Gerald, Gertrude, Raymond, Sharon, David, and Barbara Jean; and his grandson, Jordan Cole.

Stan leaves behind his faithful dog, Frenchie; his daughters Penny Holmes of Buckfield, Sandy Cole and husband Steve of Greenwood, Aimee Heath and husband Jim of Albany Township; four grandchildren; and four great-granddaughters.

We hope you will all join us for a celebration of life this spring, Saturday May 18 at 11 a.m. at the South Bethel Cemetery with a gathering to follow. We will share stories of a life well lived. A man who was kind, generous, and loving with a great sense of humor. A man who will be missed beyond measure by everyone who knew him.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation, 45 Main St., South Paris. To Make an online condolence please visit http://www.chandlerfunerals.com