Walter F. McKenna

AUBURN: Walter Frederick McKenna, 81, of Winter Street in Auburn passed away on January 22, at Clover Manor Nursing Facility. Born in Mexico, Maine, he was the son of Wilfred and Viola (Wilton) McKenna. He attended Mexico schools and graduated from Mexico High School. After High School, he served his country in the Korean War. He later attended college in Boston, Massachusetts where he studied Electrical: Heating and Lighting. He worked for Central Maine Power Company all of his life until his retirement. He married Irma “Carole” MacDonald in 1958 and together shared their home with many foster children as well as their own. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf and bowling, and was a member of company leagues. He especially enjoyed spending Summers with his family at their camp in West Peru, Maine at Worthley Pond. He was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He was also known to be a “History Buff” and especially enjoyed American History. He had a “love” for Gaither Gospel music and also enjoyed western movies. He will be lovingly remembered for his heroic act in saving the life of a choking man at a restaurant in Mexico, Maine, as he was celebrating his 25th Wedding Anniversary. He was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and served on the vestry, and taught Sunday school in earlier years. He later found his calling with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is survived by his wife Irma “Carole” McKenna of Auburn, his four daughters: Mrs. Gerald “Terri” Couture of Hermon, ME, Mrs. James “Susan” Carver of Minot, Miss Barbara McKenna of Portland, Mrs. Michael “Tiffany” Savage of Turner and one son: Michael and his wife Robin of Strong. Two granddaughters: Mrs. Alexander “Bethany” Couture-Rosado of Hermon, ME, Miss Sandra Gilson of Portland. Five grandsons: Travis Couture of Hermon, ME, Christopher Carver of Buckfield, Brandon McKenna of Portland, Alexander McKenna of Strong, John Gilson of Portland. Two Sisters: Mrs. Helen Gilbert and Mrs. Anne Dawson, both of Rumford. He leaves behind his lifelong friend Ray Mawhiney of Rumford/Mexico. He was predeceased by a son Darren in 2014 and a daughter Lisa in 2002 as well as three brothers; Albert, Carl, and Robert McKenna and one sister Jean Hanson. Condolences and fond memories may be expressed to the family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visitation will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Friday Jan. 30 from 1-2pm followed by a funeral service at 2pm also at the funeral home. Interment will take place in the spring at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Walter’s memory at: www.diabetes.org for the continued study and research of diabetes. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.