JESSE RAY AUSTIN
GUILFORD, Jesse Ray Austin, 76, beloved husband of V. Janet (Knowles) Austin, passed away on October 11, 2006 at home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters after a brief battle with colon cancer. He was born on July 26, 1930, in Harmony, the only son of Glen and Vonnie (Stevens) Austin. Jess served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954. He was a talented crane operator for Manley Haley for 25 years, then was employed by Guilford Industries, on the maintenance crew, for an additional 25 years. A homebody at heart, in his retirement years he enjoyed tending his garden, riding “Big Red”, spending time with his grandchildren, and watching his favorite TV shows from his recliner.

Besides his wife of 52 years, Jess will be deeply missed by his three daughters, Janie Lander and her husband, Greg, of Guilford; Joan Austin and her fiancé, Dr. Jon Connolly, Ph.D. of Bangor; and Judy MacLauchlan and her husband, Scott Sr., of Parkman. He thought the world of his grandchildren: Dustin Lander and his wife, Kristen, of Guilford; Amanda White of Hermon; and Scotty MacLauchlan of Parkman. He is also survived by his sister, Edith Elliott of Guilford; and very special nephew, Richard Elderkin and his wife, Winnie, of Parkman. He will be fondly remembered by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews, as well as many caring friends. In addition to his parents, Jess was predeceased by an infant daughter, Jerry Lynn; and his two sisters, Nonie Elderkin, and Joyce Collins.

Graveside memorial services with military honors will be held at the Lawn Cemetery in Guilford at 11 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2006, with Pastor A. Maurice Neal officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Mt. Kineo Masonic Lodge on Hudson Avenue in Guilford, immediately following the graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jess’s memory can be made to C.A. Dean Hospital, P.O. Box 1129, Greenville, ME 04441. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. To sign an online guestbook, please go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.