Peru – Francis D. Martel Sr., 68, passed away May 17, with his loving family at his side, after his courageous 1 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born Oct. 26, 1938, in Rumford, the son of the late Roland E. Martel and the late Dianna Richard Martel Wing, and was educated in Rumford schools.

He was a woodsman for more than 20 years. He also was a bus driver and custodian for SAD 21 for 17 years, and in between that, he worked at some of the local wood mills.

He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and was a fisherman, which he did until the end.

He married Marie (Kidder) Martel on July 25, 1959, who survives him and lives in Peru. They had five children together.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie (Kidder) Martel; a daughter, Cindy L. Martel and companion, Andrew Touchette, of Dixfield; four sons, Francis D. Martel Jr. and partner, Christopher Marien, of Lisbon, Conn., Robert A. Martel and wife, Lisa, of Lisbon, Rick R. Martel and fiancée, Debi, of Lewiston, and Roland E. Martel and wife, Tami, of Rumford; a brother, Roland E. Martel and wife, Shirley, of Rumford; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.