SOUTH HIRAM- Delbert (Del) R. Gilpatrick husband of the late Grace (Boyd) Gilpatrick passed away peacefully August 10, 2024. Del was born in South Hiram, May 15, 1931, the second son of Cecil R. and Lottie (Pendexter) Gilpatrick. He was a lifelong resident of South Hiram and graduated from Porter High School Class of 1950. Delbert served in the U.S. Army 89th Tank Battalion assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant and before being discharged was offered Officers Candidate School but declined choosing to return home. After his discharge from the Army, he and his father started Gil’s Texaco Station in Kezar Falls where he remained for over 30 years. While operating the garage they became one of the first snowmobile dealers in Maine. They started in 1968 with Snow Prince then Polaris followed by Ski-Doo. Following his years at the garage he worked at excavating construction and plowing snow for the Towns of Porter and Hiram. Del and Grace also owned the gravel pit on the South Hiram Road for many years, later selling it to the town for what is now the Tri-Town Transfer Station. During their 68 years of marriage, they spent their lifetime together enjoying buying, riding, selling, and restoring antique motorcycles and automobiles.
Del was a member of Calvary Bible Church, Past Master and 66-year member of Greenleaf Masonic Lodge #117, member Drummond Lodge# 118 and Past District Deputy of Masonic District# 18, Lifetime Member of the V.F.W., member of the American Legion and a member of Sacopee Valley Agricultural Fair. Delbert enjoyed announcing at the fair and he and Gracie put on numerous parades for the fair. Delbert was instrumental and a founding member of the Sacopee Rescue Unit. He was the former sexton of Stanley Cemetery for many years. Delbert is survived by sons, Larry R. and Elizabeth of Parsonsfield, Garry R. and Debbie of Hampden, a sister Gwendolyn Gilpatrick, many nieces, nephews and a neighborhood of wonderful friends. Del was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years Grace, his parents and brothers, Erland and Hilton Gilpatrick.
A time of visitation will be from 1-2 PM Friday, August 16, 2024 at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street, Cornish. A memorial service with Masonic Honors will be held immediately following the visitation at 2 :00 at the funeral home with Pastor Dan Ahern, Pastor of the Calvary Bible Church officiating. Following the service, interment with military honors will be in Stanley Cemetery, South Hiram.
Special thanks to Pastor Dan Ahern and the church family for their support during this difficult time. We are forever grateful to the staff of Market Square Andrews Memory Care and Beacon Hospice for the exemplary compassion and care shown to our father and us during the last several months of his earthly journey.
In appreciation for this support anyone wishing to remember Delbert may make a memorial gift to;
Calvary Bible Church P.O. Box 333
Parsonsfield, ME 04047 or to
Beacon Hospice c/o Amedisys Foundation 52 Atlantic Place
South Portland, ME 04106
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