GARDINER – Robert “Bob” Milo Lee Cone, 88, went to be with his beloved Sallee on Thursday March 14, 2024, after a long life devoted to fun and service.

Bob was born in Houlton, on March 24, 1935. He was the fifth born and first son to Walter Adams Cone and Amy (McCready) Cone. He grew up on a dairy farm where he developed a good work ethic which was crucial to survival amongst his four older sisters. He graduated from Houlton High School, received a B.A. from Ricker College, and later received a M.S. from the University of Southern Maine.

Robert was a kind and loving soul with a smart-ass sense of humor. Many who knew him got to experience and enjoy all his stories. He truly enjoyed sharing his many life experiences, so much so that people often heard them more than once. His stories were ingrained in his brain, and he made sure that those closest to him would be able to recite them word for word long after he was gone.

After Ricker College, his cousin, Audrey, introduced him to Sallee McWilliams, her fellow nursing classmate from Augusta. Bob and Sallee quickly fell in love and married in December of 1960, thereby embarking on a life together for 56 years. Bob and Sallee loved adventuring together and did all sorts of activities from square dancing to traveling the country and beyond.

After welcoming their sons, Marc and Kirc, Robert and Sallee made sure to share and pass on their love for adventure and the outdoors. They worked together at Camp Bishopswood, the Episcopal Church camp in Hope, where she was the camp nurse, and he was the assistant director. There he guided campers up Katahdin and other mountains while helping direct the day-to-day activities at the camp. Being on Megunticook Lake he took advantage of what the lake had to offer from fishing to waterskiing. As a family, they took many trips together, whether it was in or out of state, instilling a love for travel in both their sons as well.

Bob was dedicated to service. He was a high school science teacher for over three decades, as he affectionally reminded everyone, it took him 33 years to get out of high school. Hundreds of students benefited from his kindness and extra help to get through the rigors of chemistry and physics. He also put his life in the hands in the driver education students where he gave them the guidance to acquire their licenses. Additionally, he was a skiing instructor at Silver Hills in Augusta, one of the many old-time rope tow areas in Maine. Long after he retired, Bob would be greeted by numerous past students thanking him for his help and guidance. He might not have remembered every student’s name, but he was always touched when they would make sure to say hi and catch up with him.

He also served the community through the Masons and the Shriners, as well as being in the Army Reserves for eight years. He and Sallee were thoroughly involved in the Order of the Eastern Star, where both held high offices in the organization. He was an active member up through his later years in life and always enjoyed a conversation with a fellow Mason or serviceman; the perfect opportunity to share his stories.

After retiring from teaching, Bob worked at Charlie’s Motor Mall until he was 80. His family was quite certain it kept him out of trouble in his later years. Though he finally retired from employment, he never stopped working and serving those around him. He was devoted to his love, Sallee, and took care of her as she battled multiple health issues until she passed in 2016, a loss he never truly recovered from. He struggled without her but found solace in attending church and hearing about the adventures of his grandchildren. In 2021, he became a great-grandfather, providing him with yet another joy in his life. Robert was a man full of love and devotion to his family and community. He will be greatly missed.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Amy; wife, Sallee; sisters, Virginia, Barbara, Dorothy, and Betty; and brother, James.

He is survived by his son, Kirc; son, Marc, and favorite daughter-in-law, Deborah; grandsons, Isac and Alec; his favorite granddaughter, Camden; favorite great-grandson Hanc; youngest brother, Larry, and his wife Debbie; Godchild Kristi, and many more loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Visiting hours will be at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner on Friday March 22, 5:30-8 p.m. The memorial service will take place at Christ Church on the Common in Gardiner on Saturday March 23, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Bunswick Ave, Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.



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