Donald G. “Don” Pauley

SOUTH CHINA – Donald G. “Don” Pauley went to be with his Lord and Savoir on Dec. 31, 2025, at the Andwell Hospice House in Auburn.

In his own words: Don was born in Boston, Mass. on Sept. 24, 1934, the third son of four born to Charles F. and Mary E. Pauley. Christa was born in Portland, Maine on April 26, 1935. She attended Boston University and Portland School of Art. Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army on August 17, 1956, and discharged as a Captain in the reserves, in 1965. He graduated from BU on the 18th and married Christa on the 19th at her family’s home on Lake Sebago in Raymond, Maine. They then were stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where their son was born on July 12, 1957. Sadly, he died on his 65th birthday at the Augusta Veteran’s home. After active duty, they moved back to Maine, bought a home on China Lake where their special daughter, Dawn, was born in 1959, God’s gift to a father. Don and Christa lived there until her death in 2023. Sadly, Dawn passed away on May 4, 2025.

Don worked for a mechanical power company servicing paper mills in New England until 1965 when he went to work for a hydraulic system design firm. In 1975 he formed Brown and Pauley, Inc. with his good friend Bill Brown until he retired at 65 in 1999. During those years he said he never worked a day in his life because he loved travelling to paper mills in both the US and Europe for design help and troubleshooting which he loved.

He taught high pressure hydraulic system classes in US and European paper mills and for the University of Maine system. His love of piano and music led him, along with Christa, who had a magnificent lyric soprano voice, to give of their talents: 20 years as organist and choir director of the South China Village Church, 20 years of playing for the Erskine Academy “Chic-a-laca” student shows, the Ersking BEA Club adult shows as well as a number of shows for the Augusta Hospital system. Don and Christa gave of their talent over 800 times in 50 years for weddings, funerals, retirement homes and the like and never asked for payment for any of the above. He was past president of the Augusta Symphony Organization. Don was the summer organist for the Waterville First Baptist church for years and was full time organist when the church reopened during the covid situation and was pleased to be able to accompany a wonderful classical violinist, Dr. Jennifer Rogers, each Sunday. It was a joy!

Don was a Past Master of Dirigo Lodge, AF&AM 104 of Weeks Mills, Maine as well as a Past Grand Organist. In the town of China, he served on every committee, except Planning Board, for 25 years. He was a licensed pilot, was involved with Troop 222 Boy Scouts in Palermo and the South China Little League.

During his last months, he had a number of special Angels caring for him. His loving and very special daughter Dawn, “Sissa D” who along with her husband Ed, cared for him in their home along with Ed’s niece, Brandi Hodsdon, CNA, and Marcia Tibbets Coffin who came into the family at just 13 as our baby sitter in 1960. She became part of the family and was loved by both

Christa and Don and her loving care was returned.

Don is survived by his younger brother Kenneth and wife of Massachusetts; son-in-law Ed Hodsdon; his brother-in-law Dr. Jeffrey Brown and wife of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; three grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and a number of others who became part of our extended family: Stephen Gosselin, Leslie Gosselin Wilson who lived with Don and Chris from age 13 to 18 and graduated from Erskine Academy in 2001, Chris Moore and families. All of them much loved.

This bio would not be complete without mentioning 35 years playing with a trio comprised of Don on piano, Armand Beaulieu on double Bass and Chuck Hewins on drums and vibes.

All in all, it was a wonderful life for Don and Christa.

Don and his beloved Christa, son Raymond and daughter Dawn have moved onto Glory together.

Relatives and friends may visit on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363 where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.