Everett D. Meader

OAKLAND -- Everett D. Meader, 85, passed away at his home on Aug. 10, 2011. He was born on March 28, 1926, in Solon, the son of Harry and Effie Meader.

When he was 4, his mother died. When he was 14, his father passed away, leaving him with the responsibility of operating the family farm and working in the woods with his horses, Queen and Bess.

In 1943, Everett graduated from Solon High School. He married Arlene Davis in 1944. Together, they managed the farm. He served on the Solon Board of Selectmen and as the town road commissioner. While living in Solon, he was an active member of the Methodist Church. He and his wife led the youth group for several years, served as co-presidents of the Couples Club and were members of the Grange.

In 1965 the family moved to Oakland, where Everett served as highway supervisor, construction supervisor and safety officer for the state highway department, Division 4, for 30 years. An active member of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, he held many offices. Everett enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play sports. His greatest joy was his family. He also took pride in maintaining his yard until 10 days prior to his death.

He was predeceased by his brother, Earl; and sisters Clara Miller, Damie Savage and Amy Robinson. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Arlene; his four sons, Dick Meader, and his wife, Betty-Jane, of Waterville, Bob Meader and his wife, Pam, of Portland, Bruce Meader and his partner, Joe DiLorenzo, of Saco, and Don Meader and his wife, Melissa, of Oakland; seven grandchildren, Lance and his wife, Amy, of Falmouth, Daren and his wife, Jen, of Gorham, Lindsay Ross and her husband, Brian, of Westbrook, Derek of Portland, Suzanne and her fiance, Aaron Berthiaume, of Portland, and Justin and Trevor Meader of Oakland; five great-grandchildren, Jace, Jaelyn, Drew, Bode and Madison; and a special family friend, Jim Tolman. He is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth McQuilkin, of Saco; a niece, Norma Gorham, of Saco; a nephew, Paul Savage, and his wife, Frances, of Skowhegan; and several cousins.

Special thanks are extended to the dialysis unit staff member at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Sharon Leighton; Maine-ly Elder Care staffers Betsy, Paige and Sarah; and hospice.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church in Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Everett may be made to Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, 20 West School St., Oakland, ME 04963. Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, ME 04963.