Stuart F. Souther (1919-2016)

FARMINGTON – Stuart Foster Souther, 96, of Livermore Falls, died on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at Sandy River Nursing Center.

Stuart was born in Livermore Falls on Aug. 31, 1919, the son of Ernest and Mary Foster Souther. He grew up at the Souther Farm on the Souther Road in Livermore Falls. Stuart was educated in the Livermore Falls school system, graduating from Livermore Falls High School in 1936.

Stuart married Hazel Ester Osgood on July 15, 1939, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wilton. Together they ran an egg business for a couple of years. Then Stuart followed his heart and love for cars and became an auto mechanic having worked several years for Morrison Motors in Dixfield. Later, Stuart apprenticed as an electrician and went on to become a master electrician and owned his own electrical business for many years before his retirement in 1989. After retirement, Stuart worked part-time at Franklin Memorial Hospital in the security department.

Together Stuart and Hazel raised their family in East Dixfield, moving to Wilton in 1961. He and Hazel loved to spend their summers and falls going on camping trips in the northeast. They spent many summers at Dummer’s Beach in Weld and usually one or more beloved grandchildren were in his presence.

In his younger days, Stuart was an avid deer hunter and he loved to go bird hunting in the fall. He had a love for gardening and grew outstanding fruits, vegetables and flowers for his family. His prized peonies were loved by all. In his final years, while living with his brother Harold on the Farm, Stuart planted fruit trees to be enjoyed by generations to come. He also loved to work with wood and made many pieces of furniture for family members. Stuart’s favorite pastime was visiting with his children and grandchildren.

Stuart was a 50-year member of Mystic Valley Grange, having been a past master for the Grange. He was also a member of the East Dixfield Volunteer Fire Department where he reconfigured a truck into a fire truck and served as the department’s fire chief. Later, after moving to Wilton, he joined the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department. Stuart was also a member of the Wilton Masonic Lodge 156, as well as a Shriner with the Kora Temple in Lewiston for many years.

Hazel passed away on March 7, 1988. On March 26, 1990, Stuart married Marjorie Bandlow of Wilton. In 1993 they moved to Polk City, Florida, where they enjoyed a peaceful and carefree life together. After Marjorie’s passing in 2006, Stuart moved back to Maine and lived with his brother Harold, at the Souther Farm where Stuart was born and grew up.

Stuart is survived by his children, Lauriston Souther and his companion, Sally, of Livermore Falls; Patricia McDonald and her husband, Brent, of Jay; and Ronald Souther and his companion, Theresa of Polk City, Florida and Livermore Falls. Stuart is also survived by his youngest brother Harold Souther, of Livermore Falls; grandchildren: Russell, Kimberly, Christopher, Stephen, Stephanie, John, and Angel; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Stuart was predeceased by his siblings, Leroy Souther and Hilda Corkum; and his wives Hazel and Marjorie. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wilesrc.com.

A public graveside service will be held in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton, a date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions in Stuart’s name may be made to: Tri-Town Ministerial Association Food Cupboard, PO Box 314, Livermore Falls, ME 04254. Arrangements are in the care of Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Rd., Jay, ME 04239.