NORTH WHITEFIELD – Ronald Omar Atwood, 87, of North Whitefield, Maine, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at his home with his wife, Priscilla, by his side.
He was born in Bath, Maine, on January 12, 1934, the son of John and Eola (Congdon) Atwood. He aspired to be a pilot and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably for 20 years. Retiring with the rank of Major, Ron flew Strategic Air Command KC-97 and KC-135 Tankers for ten years, followed by other flying assignments in various types of aircraft in Viet Nam, the Mediterranean and other locations around the world. Ron retired to Bath where he worked for many years at the Bath Iron Works as a Buyer.
During his distinguished Air Force career, Ron earned the following medals and ribbons:
Bronze Star, Air Medal, Commendation with 1 Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Clusters, Combat Readiness, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service with 1 Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Longevity Service Award with 3 Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship.
Ron was a members of the Masons for 59 years and served as a past Master, most recently a member of the Solar Star Lodge #14 in Bath and the Rising Virtue Lodge #10 in Bangor. Ron was also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as Chaplain and other offices for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Eola Atwood and his brothers Reggie, Alan and Dick; sister Lydia; and daughter Judith.
Ron is survived by his wife Priscilla of North Whitefield and her children Gordon, Phil, Julie and April; sister Patricia of Florida; children Susan, Jane, Debbie, Diane, Mark and Mary, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bath Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 29th, 2022 at 1:00 PM.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at 1:00 PM.
Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com
So sorry Priscilla! You’re in my prayers.
I will always remember my Uncle Ron as a man who had strong beliefs, opinions and a strong will. He had dry humor and wasn’t afraid to give advice or lend a helping hand. He was a father figure for me as a teenager, and he taught me several skills when I helped him build his log house in Whitefield when I was just 16. His Air Force service was a big part of the reason I joined and made a career in the Air Force. My prayers are with Priscilla at this time.