PLANTE, ODILON J., JR.
BERWICK, Maine — Odilon Joseph “Babe” Plante, Jr., 90, passed February 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born May 10, 1921, he was a son of Odilon and Delia (Auger) Plante.
In 1942 he married Doris Morrill. Together they shared 70 years of marriage.
Babe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was a 1st Sergeant attached to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion serving in the Pacific Campaign on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; under the command of Col. Merritt Edson, known as “Edson’s Raiders.”
After returning from military service, he began his career as a Foreman at Prime Tanning, which spanned over 40 years. He retired in 1983.
He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing in the Maine woods and lakes.
Babe was a talented carpenter and enjoyed cabinet making.
In 1996 on his 75th birthday he was named Berwick Citizen Of-The-Year by the American Legion Post 79. His community service includes many years on the Berwick Fire Department, election to the Board of Selectmen, and terms on several commissions and committees. He was also a long time member of the Legion and has helped that organization as well as the Fire Department and the town raise thousands of dollars by donating various pieces of furniture which he built himself. He also built the replica of the Liberty Bell for the town’s 250th Anniversary Celebration, the welcome sign on the lawn of the town hall, and the lectern used at many of the public meetings at the town hall.
He was predeceased by 2 brothers and 5 sisters.
Babe is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Doris Plante of Berwick; four daughters, Janet Canney and her husband Carroll of Farmington, NH, Caren Chandler of Berwick, Gale Hersey and her husband Stanley of Berwick, Judith Fuller and her husband John of Tyron, NC; seven grandchildren, Jane Foster, Jeff Saucier, Shawn, Darryl, Aaron and Kyle Chandler, Andrew Fuller and 16 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, 36 Rochester Street, Berwick, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord/Our Lady of Peace Church, 25 Saw Mill Hill Road, Berwick. Burial with military honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.
Should friends choose, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: American Legion Post 79, PO Box 977 Berwick, Maine 03901.
Arrangements are in care of Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel.