UNION — Wayne N. Butler, 85, died peacefully March 15, 2015, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, following a period of declining health.

Born in Appleton on Oct. 4, 1929, he was the son of Harold and Jennie Ness Butler. Educated in Appleton schools, Wayne earned his GED diploma later in life.

In 1959 Wayne married Joan Orne. Together they made their home in Appleton for many years before moving to their Butler Road home in Union.

Always a hard worker, Wayne began working as a young man. He started for the town of Appleton, sanding and plowing roads. He loved being in the outdoors and greatly enjoyed his time working in the woods, cutting and processing fire wood. He also spent countless hours in the blueberry fields raking berries. Wayne held many other jobs throughout his life, and most recently he worked for FMC in Rockland before retiring.

Wayne enjoyed cars, and often shared memories of racing at the dirt track at Unity Raceway. He also took great pride in his flathead Ford dump truck. He was a history buff and especially enjoyed reading books about World War II. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his wife, Joan in April 2013; and his brother, Ralph “Adie” Butler in 1998; Wayne is survived by his daughter, Melinda Thomas and her husband, William; and his sister, Cynthia Blackington, all of Hope; two granddaughters, Kristan Thomas of Hope, and Cassie Ledger and her husband, Ben, of Union; two great-grandchildren, Keagan Dodge and Olivia Ledger; as well as several nieces and nephews.

At Mr. Butler's request, his family will be remembering his life privately.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Bob Gagnon Cancer Care Center, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare, 22 White Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.