WINDSOR -- Donald Gilmore Jeane, age 78, died peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, with his wife, Earlene by his side on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, following a brief illness. Donald was born May 3, 1934 in Augusta, the son or Arthur W. and Doris Malcolm Jeane.Donald attended Augusta schools and was a graduate of Cony High School. He was a member of the Cony High School and Hallowell community bands.
Donald served as a radar operator in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 and served in the Maine National Guard from 1956 to 1959.
As a young boy, Donald spent his weekends and vacations with his grandparents at Twin Valley Farm in Windsor. His love of the land continued throughout the years and, in 1989, he retired from the federal government to manage his tree farm and work his land full-time. Donald was the fifth generation to own and operate Twin Valley Farm.
Donald was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about the Civil War. He was a great historian. Many appreciated his wealth of knowledge about Windsor and the families that had settled there.
Donald served as a board member on the Kennebec Soil Conservation District and served on the town of Windsor's planning board and zoning board of appeals. He was a chartered member of the Windsor Historical Society, a lifetime member of the Windsor Fair Association and a past member of the Erskine Academy BEA Club.
It was well-known that he was Windsor's greatest hoarder. Many friends wanted him to call American Pickers, but all knew he wouldn't sell, as he always said, "I might need it someday."
Donald was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Malcolm R. Jeane and his first wife, Nora Cummings Jeane.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Earlene (Robichaud) Jeane; daughters, Beverly and husband, Keith Brown, Joyce and husband, Barry Marshall, April Marie Jeane and Bailey Morgan Jeane; a son, Gary Jeane; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Carroll York and Pepper Martin.
At Donald's request, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held at Rest Haven Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 7, at 1p.m. A reception will follow.
The family wishes to thank the emergency department staff, physicians Rob Boudewijn and Paul Palmer, physician's assistants and intensive-care unit staff at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta campus; the ICU staff, 2 Central and dialysis staff at the Thayer campus; and doctors Nathan, Ranganath, Opolinsky, Gonzalez and Lanoy, who all took such wonderful care of Donald and saw to all of his needs, as well as our needs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Windsor Historical Society, P.O. Box 27, Windsor, 04363 or the Employee Heart Fund at MaineGeneral Medical Center, 157 Capital Street, Augusta, 04330.
Arrangements are under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rt. 32, Windsor, 04363.
Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.
