Merton E. "Bud" Wagg

Bowdoin – “Bud” Merton E. Wagg, 89 of Lewis Hill Road died Thursday, November 25, 2010 at his home surrounded by loving members of his family. He was born in Bowdoin November 12, 1921, the son of James and Edna (Buker) Wagg. He was a lifelong citizen of Bowdoin and Bath, well known and respected by the people of surrounding towns, attending local schools in Bowdoin.

He was a veteran of WW II serving in the Army as a member of the 234th Combat Engineer Battalion. During his service in the European theater he was at the Normandy Beach invasion on D-Day. He married Beatrice H. Sheen in Bowdoin July 1, 1950.

He was employed at the Bonafide Mill in Lisbon Falls and the Bath Iron Works for 30 plus years as a painter and sandblaster retiring in 1986. He was a 50 plus year member of American Legion Post 202 of Topsham, VFW Post 9150 of Lewiston and a life time member of the Topsham Fair Agricultural Society.

Bud, in his younger years enjoyed training raccoon hounds and attending field trials and water races throughout the Great State of Maine. Additionally he worked in the woods harvesting trees with a bucksaw and team of oxen. He was a self taught guitar player who never read music but would hear songs and lyrics and then play them flawlessly, a rare talent. His hobbies and interests included raising vegetables, playing cards, attending fairs and watching ox pulling and harness racing. He was a devoted and dedicated family man that would make personal sacrifices for the betterment of all. As a father he enjoyed his children, especially family vacations at Lake Sebasticook in Newport, Maine and as a grand-father he ensured they all had special memories and the understanding of quality time spent with them, whether it was singing them a song, taking rides through the country or taking them out to eat. As a great-grandfather he reaped the benefits of their youthful vigor and spirit knowing that the next generation was here to carry on and they all put a smile on his face. He was a true gentleman even in his advancing years as he would never miss the opportunity to hold the door for the ladies and greet them with some pleasantry. He was an avid New York Yankee fan.

He is survived by his sister, June Wheeler of Bowdoin. A daughter, Brenda Bussiere and her husband Armand of Durham and Sons, Merle E. Wagg and his wife Deborah of Bowdoin and James and Mary Pike of Bowdoin. He is survived by six grandchildren, Merle J.Wagg of Bowdoin, Julie A. Wagg of Bowdoinham, Theresa Pinkham of Georgetown, Ryan C. Lemelin of Bowdoin, James Wagg of Bowdoin and Brian M. Wagg of Bath. He is survived by eight great grandchildren, Jesse, Ariel, Haliegh, Nicholas, Matthew, Margaret, Jacob and Kayleigh.

He was predeceased by his wife “Bea”, a sister Margaret, and two infant children, daughter Lorraine and son Ralph.

The entire family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Benjamin S. Herman and his nurse, Diane as well as the entire CHANS Hospice staff during this trying and difficult time. Their professionalism and support was extremely beneficial to all family members and ensured Bud received the comfort and dignity he so richly deserved.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at Crosman Funeral Home, 40 Main Street Lisbon Falls. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 to 3PM and 6 to 8PM on Monday, November 29, 2010. Burial services will be at Woodlawn cemetery in West Bowdoin. Condolences may be expressed online at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com Should friends and family desire, memorial donations may be made to CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011 in Mr. Wagg’s memory.