Dana Homer Wilbur Obituary (1923

Dana H. Wilbur DEXTER - Dana Homer Wilbur, 87, died peacefully Monday morning, April 18th, 2011 in the same home in which he was born. He was born June 14th, 1923 in the family farm house, graduated from N.H. Fay and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1945-47. He returned to the farm on the Number Ten Road and remained there until his death; being the 4th of 5 generations of Wilburs at the farm. He was an active member of the Dexter Grange since age 15 and served in every capacity throughout his life. He was a Dexter Volunteer Firefighter for over 20 years and served on the Dexter Ambulance. He supported the Wassookeag Snowmobile Club where he was a charter member, and allowed them to build their Club House and operate trails on his family farm. Dana was a dedicated steward of the land and had a life-long passion for technology. His skills in bringing ailing sewing machines back to life at his Sew 'n' Sew repair shop earned him high esteem throughout New England. His other business ventures included Dexter's Lakeshore Lunch and Sew 'n' Sew Fabrics and Machines. Dana was an avid harmonica player, mountain bike rider, and a lively dancer. Marilyn and Dana were regulars at many dance halls across Central Maine. He summed up his philosophy in an essay he wrote as a teenager - a positive outlook that remained unchanged until the end: "My thoughts are usually turned toward the future but when I think back my mind always goes to the pleasant things of life. 'You are what you make yourself, so make yourself happy while you can.'" He is survived by his children, Judith Wilbur Craig and Steven Dana Wilbur, and his girlfriend Julie, all of Dexter; his sisters, Beatrice Hanson of Fairfield, and Barbara Crawford and husband Charles of Beverly, MA; his four grandchildren, Sean Wilbur & wife Sue, Jennifer Craig Forgotson & husband Edward, Tiffany Craig, and Jonathan Wilbur & his wife Amanda, as well as his great-granddaughter, Anna Wilbur. Dana is also survived by his partner, Marilyn Scribner, her four children, and her grandchildren. Dana will also be remembered lovingly by his many nieces & nephews who will miss him at the annual Old Home Picnic that he attended almost every year except the time spent serving his country. Dana was predeceased by his parents Homer and Edith Wilbur, his wife Maxine Frost Wilbur, who died in 1986, their son Michael Dennis Wilbur, who died in infancy and his sister Elizabeth Wilbur Carter. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, April 21st, at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main Street, Dexter, with Pastor Lois Field officiating. Visiting hours will be held at noon until the time of services. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter. In keeping with Dana's spirit of practicality, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Dexter Volunteer Fire Fighter's Equipment Fund, care of Dexter Town Office, 23 Main Street, Dexter, ME 04930.