Elton Wilbur Allen

DRESDEN – Elton Wilbur Allen, 96, of Dresden passed away at his home on Sept. 27, 2025. He was born in Augusta, Maine on March 19, 1929.

Elton graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1947. He married the love of his life, Mary Emery, in 1951. He joined the United States Air Force and served for nearly 25 years. Elton served during the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the Maine Department of Transportation. After retiring from the State of Maine, he worked for many years as a truck driver for McGee Construction in West Gardiner.

Elton and Mary were married for 72 years and raised four children and proudly claim 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

During his retirement, Elton devoted much of his time to crafting latch hook rugs, completing many beautiful pieces that he generously shared with his family. He found great enjoyment in reading and in the quiet companionship of his beloved cat. He took pride in tending his property and could often be seen driving his lawnmower, carefully maintaining nearly two acres of land. Above else, Elton treasured time spent with his loved ones, often beating them at cribbage, while pursuing the rare 29-point hand.

Elton was predeceased by his wife, Mary Louise (Emery) Allen; his parents Berdena Mae (Albee) and George Albert Allen; his brother, Maurice Allen and sister, Evelyn Allen.

He is survived by his children Jackie (Allen) and Chris Reed of Clearfield, Utah, Jim and Rachel (Quirion) Allen of Denver, Colo., Linda (Allen) and Jake Maschino of Chelsea, and Andy and Kristen (Lennon) Allen of Blackstone, Mass.; as well as grandchildren; great-grandchildren; niece and nephew; and great-nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral or visiting hours. A private military burial service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Humane Society or to a Veterans Organization