LITCHFIELD – Keith Harland Estabrook went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 12, 2021, at his home in Litchfield, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Keith was born on Friday, Feb. 13, 1926 in South Portland, to Bion R. Estabrook and Arlene N. (Drew) Estabrook. He grew up in the Portland area before moving to Bowdoinham with his Uncle Ray Estabrook who had a significant impact on Keith’s life.

He joined the U.S. Army in September of 1944 and served with General Patton’s 3rd Army. He witnessed the fall of the German army in France, and was fighting in Germany when the war came to an end. He then re-enlisted in the Army in August of 1950, near the start of the Korean Conflict, serving in that theater of operations until 1953. His devotion and service to his country didn’t stop there – Keith spent 47 years as a member of the American Legion William R. Bold Post 181 in Litchfield, serving proudly with his comrades as Post Chaplain and as part of the Kennebec County Veterans Honor Guard. He was deeply honored to be able to pay back his fellow soldiers by honoring them in life and in death.

After his dedicated service in the military Keith returned home to Litchfield where he met the love of his life, Betty Mae Gowell – they married in Richmond on November 25, 1953. Married for 59 years, they created a home full of love and a firm foundation of the teachings of Jesus for their children and grandchildren.

Keith worked as an oil burner technician for many years and went on to be a successful entrepreneur in the trade. He worked tirelessly helping people with their heating systems all hours of the day and night. Since 1964, Keith and Betty Mae also devoted countless hours working with local kids through the Litchfield Youth Fellowship. They changed the lives of everyone they met and brought so many to a love and belief in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Keith led an extraordinary life of service to God. He was always helping, always working, always doing – he enjoyed working with his hands and spreading the love of Jesus everywhere he went. He had a firm conviction in the Lord and was not afraid to reach out to the lost of this world with the hope of the saving love of Jesus. He would never hesitate to help someone in need – his compassion for others knew no boundaries. He was a mentor and father-figure to many, helping the lost and troubled to find their way in Jesus.

Keith imparted to all whom he met; a supreme work ethic, compassion for people, an example of selfless service and most importantly his complete love for Jesus!

Keith lived his life in such a way, that, just as was true of the Servant in Matthew 25, it will be said of Keith when he is face to face with his Master, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Deborah and Guy Blanchette and Judith and Scott McPherson; four grandchildren Christopher McPherson, Kate McPherson, Betsey and Michael Sherman, and Amy Blanchette and her son Brantley; his brother Foster Estabrook; as well as many friends and extended family.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 18, from 4-7 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 19, at 11 a.m., with full military honors, at the Litchfield Plains Cemetery, Litchfield.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Copy the Story Link