MOUNT VERNON – Wendell G. Colter, 82, passed away Jan. 21, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 27, 1939 in New Limerick, Maine, son of Harold and Mae (Dunphy) Colter.

He was married for 48 years to the love of his life, Jean “JC” (Ross) Colter. They married on April 15, 1960 and shared a great love and life until her passing in 2008.

Wendell attended the Tannery School in New Limerick and Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton before entering the Army in December of 1956 where he served for more than 23 years before retiring as a 1SG E-8 in 1979. In addition to posts at Army bases across the United States, Wendell traveled the world serving in France, Germany, three tours in Korea and two combat tours in Vietnam including one serving as an advisor in charge of training and organizing the Montagnard Tribesman. He was honored with more than 24 awards including two Bronze Stars with V devices for Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnamese Signal Badge and the Vietnam Technical Service Medal. After his military retirement, Wendell went on to work as a supervisor at Carlton Woolen Mill in Winthrop until he retired a second time in 1995.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Wendell was predeceased by his brothers Beverly, Clifford, Eugene, and Norman. He is survived by his daughters Tammy Colter, Jackie Owen (Shane), Julie Colter (Keith Plouffe), son Scott Colter; grandchildren Dane, Trevor, Megan, Eric, Alexis; and great-grandchildren Devin, Colter, Rowan, Avery, Kayla, Cassandra, Patience, Erilee and Olive. Wendell is also survived by his loving sisters, Phyllis Byron, Beatrice Deide, Connie (Al) Friel, Hazel Cote, and Pat Gentle; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wendell will always be remembered for his great art of storytelling, his love of family and for being able to build and fix just about anything including the home he built with his wife Jean. He passed on his love and kindness for dogs, cats and all animals to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry on his legacy.

The family would like to thank Leon Roberts of Roberts Funeral Home, Susan Folk, ACHPN, FNP, Kerry Wilkins-Deming, RN, Erica and Erin and the Maine General Palliative Care and Hospice teams for their compassionate care.

Memorial Services with Military Honors will be held in the Spring at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta at a date to be announced.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.familyfirstfh.com

In lieu of flowers,

contributions in Wendell’s memory may be made to the:

Kennebec Valley

Humane Society

10 Pet Haven Lane

Augusta, ME