SKOWHEGAN – Earl A. Bilodeau, 76, passed away on April 13, 2014 at his home in Skowhegan surrounded by his family.
He was born May 18, 1937 in Waterville the son of Ernest L. and Pauline (Finnemore) Bilodeau.
He was educated in local area schools and graduated from MCI High School in 1956. Earl was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from September 1957 until his honorable discharge in September 1961.
On June 7, 1958 he married Elaine Turner at the Skowhegan Federated Church. He was employed for many years as a laborer for Norwock Shoe until the early 70’s, then worked at Dexter Shoe as a quality control technician until his retirement in 2002.
Earl participated in many civic and community organizations including the Skowhegan Food Cupboard, Grange, Methodist Mens, Shriners, Masons, and Mechawanah United Methodist Church. He loved sports and followed any and all that his children and grandchildren participated in. He also loved to bowl, dance, tell stories and generally be with people. Earl was a devoted family man and cherished time spent with family.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine (Turner) Bilodeau of Skowhegan; a son, Mark Bilodeau and significant other Annie of Skowhegan; 2 daughters, Pam Soule and significant other Dean of Norridgewock, Patricia Dufour and husband David of Skowhegan; 5 grandsons, Geoff Soule and fiancee Jess of Skowhegan, Joseph Dufour and wife Nicole of Skowhegan, Drew Soule and fiancee Krista of Mercer, Aaron Dufour of Skowhegan, and Josh Bilodeau of Standish; great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Dufour of Skowhegan; great grandson, Wesley Soule of Mercer; son-in-law, Tim Soule of Skowhegan; daughter-in-law, Lisa Bilodeau of Standish; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, Ernest Bilodeau; 4 brothers, Robert Bilodeau, Kenneth Bilodeau, Sherwood Bilodeau, and Llewellyn Bilodeau; 3 sisters, Geraldine Closson, Ella Lee, and Beverly Lewis.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 28, 2014 at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church of Skowhegan, Pastor Rick Dionne officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Earl’s memory may be made to Maine General Hospice (or hospice/charity of choice), P.O. Box 28, Waterville, Maine 04903-0828.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.
