Bert R. Witham

MONTPELIER - Bert Raymond Witham, 77, lifelong resident of Montpelier, died on Friday, January 3, 2014, at the Woodridge Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 9, 1936, in Montpelier, the son of Raymond Bert Witham and Ramona (Brickey) Witham. Bert attended Montpelier public schools and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1955.

On April 10, 1964, he married Barbara G. Muzzy in New Jersey, while she served in the U.S. Army.

Bert worked for the Barre-Montpelier Railroad for 30 years and retired as a railroad engineer in 1990. He served in the Vermont Army National Guard for eight years. Bert was a 20-year member of the Montpelier Fire Department Call Force, retiring in 1993. After his retirement, he started a snow blowing and lawn mowing service for several families in Montpelier.

Bert was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed any outdoor activities.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Witham; daughter, Laura Witham of Marshfield, Vt.; son, Raymond Bert Witham and his wife Mari Jo of Shrewsbury, Vt.; grandchildren, Shavon Greene, Ashley Witham, Crystal Witham, Jordan Luce, Kylee Luce and Lauren Luce; great-grandchildren, Kayden Lesperance, Raiden Davis and Roslyn Davis. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth of Florida; uncle, Dean Witham and his wife Marion of Essex Junction, Vt.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by a brother, Douglas Witham.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 Main Street, Montpelier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Alzheimer's Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 120, Williston, VT 05495.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.