BUXTON- Harlan Meserve Dearborn, age 93, of Narragansett Trail, passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2016 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
He was born in Buxton on Pennell Road, on July 5, 1923, son of the late Willard F. and Annie (Meserve) Dearborn.
His mother died when he was three years old and was brought up by his grandparents- George and Georgia Meserve at 6 Pennell Road.
He attended Buxton schools and went on to proudly serve in the US Army in WWII. During his enlistment, he served in the 1st. Cavalry Division in the Philippines and Japan.
In 1943, he married Mildred McGann and built a home on his family's land, where they have lived ever since.
During the 1950's, he maned the lookout tower on Dearborn Hill on Long Plains Road, as part of the government's Civil Defense program.
For 37 years, he owned and operated his excavating business. During this time frame he and his wife owned and operated five school buses for the towns of Buxton and Hollis, then to MSAD #6. He then serviced MSAD #6 buses until the district built the bus garage in Standish.
Harlan was very active in the community and was a member of the Bar Mills Rescue, Buxton Grange, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pytheas, VFW, American Legion, and Buxton Masonic Lodge #115 AF & AM for over 50 years.
He enjoyed using his Kubota tractor to mulch leaves, mow, plow, and take care of the grounds, and gardening.
He is survived by his beloved wife- Mildred (McGann) Dearborn of Buxton; son- James W. Dearborn of Buxton; brother-in-law- Ronald McGann and his wife Edith of Norridgewock; and cousins, niece, and nephews.
Burial will be private at South Buxton (Tory Hill) Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home's website, www.mainefuneral.com.