Charles "Bud" Albert Samson Jr.

Lisbon Falls- Charles Albert Samson Jr., known to many as Bud, 75 of Green St. Lisbon Falls, died Tuesday August 26, at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. He was born in Lewiston on December 23, 1938 a son of the late Charles and Dorothy (Kennedy) Samson Sr. He married the love of his life, Nancy Bowie on April 29,1961. Bud proudly served his country in the US Navy, enlisting in 1955. While in the US Navy he served on the USS Forrestal (CVA-59), USS Gearing (DD710), USS Bristol (DD857), USS Klondike (AR-22), USS Kawishiwi (A-0146), and the USS Macdonough (DLG-8). He also was a plank owner and part of the commissioning crew of the Macdonough, and did a shore duty at Brunswick Naval Air Station in the security Dept. He also spent 18 months at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. During his Naval Career, he attended many schools pertaining to air conditioning, refrigeration, and compressed air. He received the National Defense Medal, and the Vietnam Medal. He was stationed in VA, Charleston, SC., Brunswick and San Diego. While on ship duty he crossed the equator a few times and was on the ship that captured the Santa Maria and the Cuban Blockade. He made six Mediterranean cruises, three cruises to the Far East, including Vietnam and a Solant Amity Cruise. He retired from the Navy on May 14, 1969 due to medical reasons. After retiring from the Navy Bud worked at McDonald's and Sears. He then went on to pursue a college education from the University of Southern Maine, receiving his BS degree in Vocational Education. He completed this four year degree in two years graduating in 1973. He then later received his Masters in Education, also from USM, in 1976. He taught special education at Capital Area Regional Vocation Center in Augusta and then at Lisbon High School. During his teaching career, he also served as Class Advisor, Student Government Advisor and was on the Graduation Committee. He retired from teaching in 1991. He was Cub Scout Chairperson for Pack 109 and introduced them to the first Pancake Breakfast. He also is a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 66, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Education Association of Retirees, the Senior Cribbage Club, a past member of the Lisbon Lobster club and served as a board member of P.A.T.T. Bud was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He truly enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed fly fishing with his good friend Gene Brown, trips to Bar Harbor and Boothbay Harbor. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Samson of Lisbon Falls, two sons, Scott Samson and his wife Barbara of Lisbon Falls, and Steven Samson and wife Christine of Auburn, a daughter, Cynthia Roberts and her husband Richard of Lisbon Falls, six grandchildren: Geoffery Samson, Megan Samson, Joshua Roberts, Derek Roberts, Molly Samson and Emma Samson, a sister Beverly Mclean and her husband Ralph of Cumberland Foreside, a brother Jack Samson and wife Elsie Louise, brothers in law Jack Bowie and wife Emily of Charlotte, NC and Douglas Bowie of Puerto Rico, sisters in law Sharon Strout and husband Everett of Claremont, NH and Deborah Gosselin and husband Marc of Webster, NH, a special cousin Linda Bowie, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers Jim and Stacy Hayward and a dear friend, Harry Kerop. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Charles' life by visiting his guest book at: www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 11:30 AM till 1 PM at Lisbon Falls Baptist Church Rt. 196 in Lisbon Falls. The funeral will follow at 1 PM at the church. A luncheon will be held after the service also at the church until 3:30 PM. Everyone is invited to join the family for committal prayers with military honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sabattus at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Wounded Warrior Project at: www.woundedwarriorproject.org. A service of Crosman Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 40 Main St. Lisbon Falls 353-4951.