Hartson Blackstone Jr.

Perham - Hartson Blackstone, Jr., 98, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle, Maine. He was born on April 26, 1927, in Perham, ME, the son of Hartson and Kathryn (Hughes) Blackstone, Sr.

Hartson obtained his early education in Perham and Washburn schools. He then furthered his education at the University of Maine and Bob Jones University in South Carolina, earning his degrees in business and agriculture.

He soon met and married the love of his life, Milly. They had two children and while the children were very young, they struck out to California, but his heart soon brought him back to the family farm where he was a potato farmer until he retired at sixty-two. That was when the fun began. Oh, if only we could all live such a long and full life. He and Milly struck off for Alaska towing and a camper and had the time of their lives. Yummy salmon was shipped back home for us all to enjoy. Lots of fishing trips to McNally Pond in that old camper. Then the day came they decided to become snowbirds. They bought a home in Florida where they wintered for over twenty-five years making lots of memories and special friends. Hartson and Milly were both avid sports fans and could always be seen watching or listening to a Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox or Patriots game.

Hartson himself was an excellent athlete. He played basketball, softball, golf, and last but not least, shuffle board, in which he actually earned Pro Status in Florida.

He is survived by one daughter, Carolann Cain and her husband, Gus, a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Lou Blackstone, grandchildren, Robbie, Angela, Shannon, Ashley, great-grandchildren, Danielle, Taylor, Brooke, MacKenzie, Olivia, Cassidy, Ryan, Oliver, Rozlyn, Eliza, great-great-grandchildren, Ava, Kingston, Christiano, Santiago, and Ari, all of who he loved dearly.

Hartson was predeceased in death by his wife of seventy-five years, Milly, the one who held his hand through life's journey. They shared an unwavering faith in God and were faithful members of the Perham Baptist Church. They were also preceded in death by their beloved son, Robert "Bob" Blackstone. Hartson and Bob worked the farm together for many years, with Bob, being his right-hand man. Hartson was also predeceased by his four siblings, Phillip, Richard, Mary, and Ruth.

Hartson would certainly want to recognize a very special person, Brian Rossignol. Brian visited at least once a week for the past couple years. He came with treats, but mostly fresh vegetables, which they loved. Can you say "fiddleheads"?

I'm sure when Hartson got to Heaven, Milly asked him "what took you so long". They then kissed, had a bowl of butter pecan ice cream, and a nap.

A graveside service for Hartson and Milly will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery, in Perham, with the Rev. Dave Goupille officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Hartson and Milly in a special way may make gifts in their memory payable to the Perham Baptist Church, P.O. Box 8, Perham, ME 04766. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.duncan-graves.com