John Edward Gee
1925 - 2014
CHESTERVILLE — John Edward Gee, 88, of Chesterville, died in the comfort of his home on Monday morning, June 23, with family at his side.
He was born in Palmyra on Nov. 6, 1925, a son of Newman and Kathleen (MacShane) Gee. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in both the European and Pacific theaters of operation. He landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, in the first wave and was attached to an underwater demolition team now known as the "Seals.” He was a recipient of the Bronze Star.
John was a graduate of the University of Maine in Orono and earned a bachelor of science degree in agronomy. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural society established in 1906.
He was a former selectman of Chesterville, a school director for SAD 9, director for the Farm Bureau Association and was also a state director. He was very involved in the Republican party and served as county chairman. He was a member of the American Legion for over 65 years and was a former commander for Roderick Crosby Post No. 28 in Farmington.
After graduating from the University of Maine, he taught school and then went into the poultry business, having his own company with his wife, Kitty, known as the "Gee Whiz Egg Farm.” In 1988, he was chosen as "Poultryman of the Year” for Maine.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him for his "good and generous nature.” He was well-known for his humorous storytelling and he always had time to talk.
He is survived by his wife, Kitty, whom he married in 1974; a son, Michael Gee, of China; three daughters, Evelyn Kieltyka of Winthrop, Pamela Gee of Freeport and Janyce Volodkevich of Sammamish, Wash.; stepsons, Gary Clair, Jeffrey Clair, Ross Clair, Todd Clair and Jason Clair; grandchildren, Brannen, Devin, Molly, Courtney, Maria and Katie; stepgrandchildren, Heidi, Sarah, Meghan, Jessica, Dillon, Autumn, Pine and Randy; stepgreat-grandchildren, Xander, Acadia, Genevieve, PJ, Abigail, Camerin and Annabelle; a sister-in-law, Gwen Gee, of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Pat; brothers, Tom and Darrel; a son, Newman Gee; and a stepson, Randy Clair.
Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com, where a video tribute may also be seen beginning on Thursday.