1926 – 2014

AUGUSTA — Ernest D. Danforth Jr., 87, a resident of Farmingdale, passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta.

He was born Oct. 9, 1926, in Lewiston, the son of Ernest D. Danforth Sr. and Clarissa (Allen) Danforth. He attended school in Litchfield.

On May 14, 1948, in Litchfield, Ernest and Nancy Bell, of Falmouth, were married. Nancy passed away in 2013 after 65 years of marriage.

Ernest worked as a heavy equipment operator for the state of Maine for 25 years as well as a grader instructor. Ernest also worked for Bridge and CPM Construction.

He enjoyed many things, baseball, having played third base for the town team into his adult years, harness racing, his home in Florida and camp on Cobbessee Lake. He belonged to the Litchfield Masonic Lodge and was a member of the U.S. Trotter Association.

He is survived by his four sons, David Danforth and his wife Karla, of Davie, Fla., Arnold Danforth of Litchfield, Steve Danforth and his companion, Debbie Pelletier, of Monmouth and Brad Danforth and his companion, Agnes Bean, of Gardiner; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Allen Danforth and wife, Dottie, of Farmington; his sisters, Evelyn Baker, Lorraine Hopkins and her husband Ernest; and former brother-in-law, Richard “Buddy” Gates, all of West Gardiner.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Nancy; brother, Erland Danforth; and his sister, Bernitta Carey.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.finleyfuneralhome.com.