Owen P. Melville

WEST PARIS – Owen P. Melville died peacefully at home with Susan and Dorene’s love surrounding him on Jan. 19, 2026.

Owen was born on June 1, 1944, in South Bethel to Charles and Mildred (Newell) Melville. The family moved to Locke Mills in 1945, where he attended the Locke Mills Grammar School. He continued his education at Gould Academy, graduating in 1962. While there, he participated in football, basketball, and baseball.

After graduation, he worked in local mills before being accepted into the Peace Corps, where he was assigned to Niger, West Africa, to work in a reforestation program. Upon his return home, he attended Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colo. In 1967, he married Donna Proctor. They were married for 50 years before her death in 2017.

Owen was a proud Marine who served during the Vietnam era.

He was an accountant and worked for Georgia Pacific in different locations before settling in Baileyville.

Owen loved sports, playing softball and coaching soccer. His conversations with his son, Dennis, always included the latest scores and info on the Braves and Giants. He hosted a TV show from his neighbor’s basement in Baileyville. He took over cooking when he retired and watched many cooking shows, reading and trying new recipes. He was known for his peanut butter fudge and his salsa. However, his favorite pastime was eating.

He served on the board of directors of DownEast Credit Union for 25 years and then spent 17 years on the Oxford Federal Credit Union Board. He was a 50-year member of Jackson Silver Post #68 and the Marine Corps League, Detachment 810. Five members of this group presented him with the Quilt of Valor.

He was honored to be the first person in Maine to take the virtual Honor Flight at a gathering, organized by Charlie Paul, in Norway. The special time was attended by many family and friends.

Owen was very proud of his Penobscot heritage and was very happy to have his son and grandsons with him when they visited the exhibit on Sockelexis Newell, his grandfather, at the Moses Mason House recently.

Just before COVID, he connected with a former classmate, Susan Glines, and they have been together since, enjoying many adventures, particularly cruising.

They celebrated their 80th birthdays by taking their families on a cruise to Bermuda.

He is survived by his son, Dennis (Pam); grandsons Tyler and Zachary; his favorite sister, Carolyn, his sisters-in-law, Donita St. John, Dorene (Ray) Merrill; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers Chuck, Dick, Gabe, and Skip.

Special thanks to his Andwell support team, especially Ally, Katie, Wendy, Courtney, and Megan. You kept us going. Also, thanks to all the family and friends who have been there this last year and a half.

A celebration of life will be held at the Locke Mills Union Church on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Cliff Gray Cremation & Funeral Services where condolences and tributes may be shared with Owen’s family and friends at http://www.cliffgraycremations.com.

Donations in his memory may be made to

Locke Mills Union Church

P.O. Box 147

Locke Mills, ME 04255, or

Andwell Hospice

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240