Born on Aug. 29, 1934, in Lincoln, Maine, to parents Sylvan and Hazel (Smith) Applebee, Mel had a genuine loving spirit and was a kind-hearted person. His peaceful manner and sense of humor will be missed by many.
He spent his childhood in Enfield, Maine, alongside his six siblings: Eugene, Barbara, Sylvia, Irene, Donna, and Terrance. Mel attended Lee Academy where he graduated in 1953 and enlisted in the Air Force that August.
In 1957, he met the love of his life and future wife, Jean Butler. The two wed on May 9, 1959, and went on to have four sons. After serving 20 years in the Air Force, Mel retired and went on to work for security at Maine Yankee for 8 years. He later opened Mel’s Appliance Repair until he retired. Mel had many interests and pursued them all with great enthusiasm, especially hunting, town politics, rooting on the Red Sox and Patriots, and making memories with his beloved family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; his four sons, Charles and his wife Donna, Robert and his wife Anne, Kevin and his wife Rhonda, and Wayne and his wife Debi; as well as 10 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
We are grieved in his passing but rejoice in our fond memories of him and the love he gave to everyone in his life. His joyful spirit and gentle heart will always be remembered.
A memorial mass will take place at St. Mary Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath, ME, on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. A military service will be scheduled in the future at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Parish, 39 Pleasant St., Brunswick 04011.
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