Darrel D. DeCoster

Darrel D. DeCoster, 80
CUMBERLAND -- Darrel D. DeCoster, 80, of Cumberland, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, at his home.
Darrel, known to family and friends as 'DD,' was born in Auburn on March 15, 1934, the son of Warren A. and Eleanor H. (Campbell) DeCoster. He graduated in 1953 from Edward Little High School in Auburn, and was fortunate to maintain active friendships with a large group of his classmates over the years.
In 1959, he married Madeline Leonas, formerly of Lewiston. With their three children, they moved in 1974 from Lewiston to Cumberland Center.
As a talented carpenter, Darrel worked many years at the Portland Press Herald, from where he retired in 1990. He had fond memories of planning employee canoe trips and building the company's yearly parade floats.
Darrel lived a very social, active and adventurous life. He loved his many friends (both new and old) and his family - with a generous spirit, he was always willing and able to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He spent many a day deer or coon hunting with his brother, ice boating on local lakes, fishing, clamming, cutting ice on the Kennebec River or at other favorite spots, collecting country music records, working at Whiting's Farm in Auburn, or puttering about in his yard. A true 'Mainer,' he was most recognizable in a plaid flannel shirt, with a cap constantly perched on top of his head.
As a lifetime member of the Cumberland Farmers Club, he was passionate about preserving history and was instrumental in creating the club's Antique Farm Museum, a project about which he was very dedicated.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Patricia Larrabee, of Gray; three daughters, Ruth A. DeCoster and her partner, Roger L. Anctil, of Auburn, Mary E. Beale and her husband, James, of Portland, and Ellen DeCoster of Chattanooga, Tenn.; three siblings, Warren A. DeCoster Jr. and his wife, June, of Oxford, John R. DeCoster and his wife, Gloria, of Frostproof, Fla., and Linda Morton and her husband, Richard, of Rangeley; three grandchildren, Seamus and Darby Kelley, both of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Mason J. Beale of Portland; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his former wife, Madeline Young, of Cumberland Center; and the hundreds of friends he made throughout his years. He will be fondly remembered for the bright sparkle in his blue eyes. Uncle DD and Grampy D. will be sadly missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 at the West Cumberland United Methodist Church, 5 Upper Methodist Road, Cumberland. A graveside service will be held the following day at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at North Auburn Cemetery, 224 Skillings Corner Road, Auburn. Memories, stories and condolences may be shared at www.athutchins.com
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to:
The Cumberland Farmers Club Antique Farm Museum,
c/o Gerald Prevost, Treasurer
39 Samuel Road
Portland, ME 04103
Darrel D. DeCoster