GARDINER – Donald Howard Pushard, 98 of Gardiner, passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2021 after a brief illness. He was born June 16, 1922 in West Gardiner to Howard Lincoln Pushard and Bessie Mae (Rines) Pushard. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the 405th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion in defense of Antwerp. He served in the European Theater in England, Normandy, and during the Battle of the Bulge. He was extremely proud of his service and was so happy to have had the opportunity to visit the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. with Honor Flight Maine. He also served as Grand Marshal in the Gardiner Memorial Day parade.After returning from World War II, Donald married the love of his life, Loralie Louise Buker, on August 30, 1946. Together they raised four sons and one daughter. They were married for over 74 years and lived independently in the same home during their entire marriage.He was a lifelong resident of Gardiner and was a volunteer firefighter. He worked for Gardiner Shoe and he retired as a supervisor from Health-Tex after 33 years.After his retirement, Donald enjoyed working in his workshop, going to the coast, camping, smelting, and attending grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a huge Boston Bruins fan and was happy for the opportunity to meet Ray Bourque. He had a sweet tooth and enjoyed going for ice cream and always had a candy stash. Donald had a great sense of humor and a heart of gold, and his family was always his number one priority.Donald was predeceased by his parents; five brothers, Earle, Clyde, Kenneth, Gerald, and Clifton Pushard, three sisters, Frances Wyman, Marion Pushard, and Grace Marston; and grandson, Jonathan Phillips.He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Loralie Pushard who he absolutely adored; and his five children who were blessed to call him “Dad”, Donald and his wife Roxanna, Mike, Thomas and his wife Joan, Anthony, and Donna and her husband Michael Phillips. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren who absolutely thought the world of him, Donald “Buddy” Pushard, Emma Quirion, Angie Cooper, Shannon Baron, Shawn Pushard, Tim Pushard, Danielle Baron, Teresa Brown, Lisa Hart, Michelle Gagnon, Courtney Phillips, Justin Phillips, and Caitlin Mason. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, Owen and Leah Pushard, Tyler and Lauren Quirion, Wyatt Cooper, Fiona and Phoebe Pushard, Marissa, Sophia, and Trevor Baron, Evan Thibeault, Toni, Ripley, and Adie Hart, and Haylee and Alexzander Gagnon; and one great-great-grandchild, Leola Ray Adams, and another on the way. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.We all loved him so much and he will be greatly missed.Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave. in Gardiner. Following the guidelines set forth by the State of Maine and the CDC, face masks and social distancing will be required. A spring graveside service with full military honors will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Gardiner at a later date.Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Donald’s memory to Honor Flight Maine.