FARMINGTON – Claude E. Rounds, 65, of Wilton, formerly of Weld, passed peacefully on Saturday morning, Jan. 5, 2019, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington.
He was born on May 19, 1953 in Lewiston, the son of Winfred and Esther (Mixer) Rounds. He was a 1972 graduate of Oxford Hills High School and served in the U.S. Air Force in law enforcement and command and control specialist from Dec. ’71 through Aug. of ’77, during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, he attended Big Ben community college in Moses Lake, Washington; CMCC from ’77-’79 where he studied building construction and was enrolled in graduate level courses at the University of Maine.
He was a self-employed contractor and taught industrial arts in Rangeley from ’79-’80. From 83-’90 he was a Deputy Game Warden and from ’89-2009 he served several communities as a Code Enforcement officer. He was a plumbing inspector for over 150 unorganized territories and managed lead paint abatement programs in Lewiston/Auburn and Manchester, NH.
Claude was a seasoned outdoorsman who particularly enjoyed hunting; he was also a Master Maine Guide and a certified scuba diver who often worked for the Warden Service in recovery operations. He was a member of Tyrian Lodge #73 and Ft. Kent Lodge #204.
He was predeceased by his folks and a brother, Calvin Rounds. He is survived by three sisters: Roberta, Claudia and Claudette and a brother, Clayton. He leaves his longtime companion, Martha Winter Vining of Weld and a best friend with whom he was grateful to reconnect with after 40 years, Patti Parker, of Wilton and numerous friends.
Claude was a proud American and a proud veteran. Remembrance gifts may be given in his memory to the Honor Flight Program of Maine PO Box 1770 Portland, Maine 04104-1770. Memorial graveside services with full military honors will be held at the New Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Mt. Vernon Rd. Annex Augusta, Maine later in the springtime. You are invited to visit is memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com to share a memory and condolence. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center: Adams~McFarlane Chapel 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, Maine.
