Paul York Estes
WEST BALDWIN – Paul Y. Estes, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at his home. He was born in West Baldwin on April 4, 1927, the son of Harold W. and Hilda A. (York) Estes.
Paul attended Standish High School. In October, 1945 he began serving in the United States Army in World War II and was on active duty in Italy. Paul was the oldest World War II veteran in Baldwin until his passing. Upon returning home from the war, Paul married Elizabeth Edgecomb on December 12, 1947 and they just recently celebrated their 71st year of marriage.
Paul started his working career at the State Highway Department. Paul began studying nights and weekends and graduated from the National Radio Institute in Washington, DC in February, 1954. One day, Paul came home and told Betty that he was going to open Paul’s Radio and TV. Paul had a very successful business that included selling and repairing televisions and radios and installing antennas. He earned numerous awards including trips to Bermuda. Paul was always interested in learning and staying current with technologies. In 1998, he closed his business as repairing televisions became obsolete. In 1972, Paul and his son Stephen began P. Y. Estes & Son that developed into a very successful business. Paul was active in the company until his late-eighties.
Paul was a volunteer member of the West Baldwin Fire Department and received his 50 year of service award. Paul served as Fire Chief and also the Civil Defense Director of Baldwin for several years. In addition, Paul had numerous hobbies including racing stock cars and snowmobiling. He was an excellent craftsman known for his perfection. Paul built many clocks, model airplanes and boats, and stained glasses pieces that are family treasures. In 1956, Paul purchased a lot on Barker Pond in Sebago and built a family camp. Paul spent hours driving the boat so his children and grandchildren could waterski or tube. In the 1980s, Paul was the owner of several harness race horses and enjoyed watching them race at Scarborough Downs. In his retirement, Paul found a new hobby of building a model train exhibit of businesses in the town of Baldwin. Paul leaves a legacy to his family of the importance of hard work, always moving and looking forward, and family. Above all, he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather; Stephen and Joanne were his proudest accomplishments.
Paul was predeceased by his parents; his sister Marilyn, his brother Harold, Jr., his brothers-in-law Gordon Milliken and Aubrey “Bucky“ Edgecomb, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Estes.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Elizabeth; son Stephen P. Estes and wife Donna of Baldwin; daughter Joanne L. Weatherby and husband Lewis of Windham; granddaughters Suzanne Day. and husband Steven of Cornish; Alesha Buzzell and husband Corey of Baldwin; Cortney, Brooke, and Meghan Anderson of Baldwin; grandsons Matthew Perry of Standish; and Kyle Estes and wife Kate of Baldwin; great-grandchildren Madison and Miller Buzzell; and Kyson and Kalen Estes; brothers, Gary Estes and wife Dorothy of Baldwin, David Estes and wife Beverly of Baldwin; sisters, Shirley Milliken of Baldwin, and Nancy Anderson and husband George of Baldwin; and special cousin Albert Broy and wife Grace of Standish; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., in Cornish on Sunday, January 13 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm with a service immediately following at 3:00 pm. Spring burial with military honors at the Riverside Cemetery in Cornish will be announced at a later date.
We would like to thank Dr. Joseph deKay, Hospice of Southern Maine, and our caretakers Jen M., Laverne, Rayleen, Maureen, Holly, Jenn D., Emily Doughty and Gloria for their exceptional care of Paul.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
West Baldwin United Methodist Church
26 Douglas Hill Road
West Baldwin, ME 04091
WEST BALDWIN- a graveside service for husband and wife, Paul Y. Estes, 91, and Elizabeth E. Estes, 92, will be held on Saturday May 4 at 10 AM at Riverside Cemetery in Cornish. Paul will receive US Army Honors for his service. The full obituaries are available at www.mainefuneral.com