PARIS — Lewis M. Faulkingham was named Veteran of the Month for October at the Maine Veterans Home.

He was born Dec. 10, 1945, in Lewiston, and grew up in Lewiston, Auburn and West Paris. He had a brother, James, and a sister, Linda.

Faulkingham was drafted in May 1969 and went into the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Vietnam. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, and the Good Conduct Medal. He attained the rank of lance corporal E3 and was honorably discharged May 4, 1971.

Faulkingham returned to West Paris and continued his lifelong career in the auto body field. He worked at his Uncle Ray’s body shop in West Paris, Stone & Irish Auto Body in Minot and Bessey Motors in Paris.

Married on Oct. 23, 1971, he and his wife, Betty, will celebrate their 45th anniversary this month. They have a daughter, Wendy, and a granddaughter, Ohara.

Lewis joined Granite Lodge in 1967, Kora Temple Shriners in 1977, and the American Legion. 

He has enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoys gardening, being outside, bingo and listening to music.