LEWISTON — Oscar T. “Pants” Lebel Jr., 92, a resident of 25 Gillander Ave., Auburn, died Sunday at Russell Park Manor, following a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston, March 27, 1918, the son of Oscar T. Sr. and Edna (Sheldon) Lebel. Oscar was a 1936 graduate of Lewiston High School and a 1938 graduate of Hebron Academy. It was during his school years that Oscar was an all-around athlete who excelled in all sports. Following his education, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained rescue huskies during World War II in Greenland for the Air Corps’ rescue unit.

Following the war, Oscar joined in his father in their family business, the former Grants Clothing Store, for many years until his retirement. Oscar enjoyed golf throughout his retirement. He was a life time member of Martindale Country Club and had been a member there since age six in 1923. He was most proud of winning the Martindale Country Club Championship in 1958. Besides golf, Oscar loved his family, his wife, Isabelle, and their three daughters, as well as late afternoons on the beach at the ocean. He also enjoyed travel, always taking the long way home. What was true in his travels was true in his life, of always wanting to take the long way home. Oscar is now home after a great journey.

Survivors include his wife of over 63 years, the former Isabelle Cote of Auburn; three daughters, Karyn Lebel and her husband, Sandy Nisbet of Minot, Nancy Ezhaya and her husband, David, of Windham and Patricia Lebel and her husband, William Rogers of Portland; one sister, Marilyn Murphy of Washington; three grandchildren, Nicholas Lebel Nisbet, Monica Ezhaya and Luke Lebel Rogers; one great-granddaughter, Pearl; and two sisters-in-law, Jean Cote, his personal care giver of Lewiston and Joan Lepage of Rumford.

He was predeceased by one sister, Patricia Sherman.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Oscar’s sister-in-law, Jean Cote for her help in caring for Oscar and to the wonderful staff at Russell Park Manor. Also, Dr. Seth Gordon.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.