GREENE – William Berton “Buster” Nickerson, 87, of Greene, died Saturday evening, Dec. 24, at his home after a short illness.

He was born on Nov. 19, 1918, in North Waterboro. He was the oldest of William Manley and Gladys Nickerson’s eight children. He graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in agriculture.

In 1939, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in action against the enemy in Cape Gloucester, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, New Guinea, as well as the occupation of Japan during World War II. He was discharged on Sept. 7, 1945, as a platoon sergeant. A decorated and respected Marine, he continued his five decades of service with the 76th division, from which he retired in 1978. He was proud of his sons, William and Leif, for continuing the family tradition with service in the Marines.

His civilian life included work as a lumberman, chicken farmer and millwright. He served as town selectman from the 1960s through the 1980s. His interests included participation in coaching Little League, men’s club, PTA president, Cub Scouts, work with Toys for Tots and Greene’s VFW.

He took great pride in giving his fellow veterans a final memorial with dignity. Buster’s vegetable garden was a Greene landmark. He will be remembered for his countless acts of human kindness and generosity through his many years.

He is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Thompson and spouse, Andrew Thompson, of Brunswick; three proud sons, William Nickerson and spouse, Linda, of Lewiston, Eric Nickerson of Greene and Leif Nickerson of Auburn; two granddaughters, Jennifer Foster and spouse, Adam Foster, of Lewiston, and Kelley Lovejoy and spouse, Alan Lovejoy, of Greene; grandson, William D. Nickerson of Portland; his two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Lauren Foster, who will continue to provide love and laughter; two beautiful sisters, Eleanore Nickerson and Marilyn Mazurek of St. Pete’s Beach, Fla; and many nieces and nephews. His family promises to honor the man that he was and all of the good that he did.