Lawrence E. "Sonny" Danforth

Lawrence E. "Sonny" Danforth
1929 - 2017
CHELSEA - Lawrence E. "Sonny" Danforth, 87, died Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Togus Springs Hospice, following a brief illness with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
He was born in Litchfield, on Dec. 11, 1929, the son of the late Fred E. and Yvonne (Lebel) Danforth.
Mr. Danforth attended Cony High School and was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church.
He was in the U.S. Army for six years and rose to the rank of sergeant first class, serving during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home, he met and married Lorraine T. Bechard at St. Augustine Catholic Church on June 18, 1955.
Mr. Danforth had been employed for over 38 years for the Augusta Water District.
He was a member of the American Legion and TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly).
Lawrence loved spending time with his grandchildren, following all their basketball and hockey games. He also enjoyed spending family time with his eight great-grandsons.
He was an avid candlepin bowler, gardener, and bird watcher; loved country music and enjoyed taking trips to Oxford and Hollywood Casinos.
Mr. Danforth was predeceased by an infant son, David H. Danforth; and a sister, Diane Danforth.
He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Lorraine T. (Bechard) Danforth, of Chelsea; a son, Richard E. Danforth, and wife Anne, of Chelsea; a daughter, Debra A. Danforth, of Chelsea; a brother, Raymond N. Danforth, of San Antonio, Texas; four sisters: Rita Marcoux, of Lewiston; Arlene Lachance and husband Leo, of Hallowell; Lillian Petrie, of Oregon; and Madeline Dodge and husband Richard, of Newcastle; two grandchildren whom he cherished: Melissa Marable and husband Jason, and Ryan Danforth and fiancée Kimberly Warger; eight great-grandsons whom he adored: Osiris, Xavian, Justice, Jasai, Tyris and Kingston Marable, and Rowan and Noah Danforth; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at MaineGeneral Cardiac Rehab Unit, Phase Four, for the care and compassion they showed to Lawrence during his 14 years in their care, as well as MaineGeneral Hospice and the hospice unit at VA Hospital, Togus. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Kevin Kane for the care and support he gave to Lawrence and the family.
Relatives and friends may visit on Sunday, June 11, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will be held June 19 at 9 a.m. in the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make donations in Lawrence's memory to:
American Lung Association of Maine
122 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
or
MaineGeneral Hospice
P.O. Box 828
Waterville, ME 04903