Francis “Red” Chalmers

Francis D. “Red” Chalmers, 94, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and deep devotion to his family. Born on January 13, 1932, in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late James K. and Clara I. (Searles) Chalmers.

A proud veteran, Red served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954 before embarking on a long and diverse professional life.

A man who truly embraced hard work and community connection, Red dedicated his life to serving those around him. His professional journey included meaningful roles at Raytheon in Wayland, Massachusetts, and later serving as the Code Enforcement Officer for Alfred, Maine. Never one to sit idle, Red balanced a vibrant work ethic with an entrepreneurial spirit, running a small landscaping business and working for Hancock Lumber. Deeply committed to his community, he served as an EMT on the Alfred Rescue team and brought endless smiles to locals and visitors alike as a York County school bus driver and a Wells, Maine trolley driver.

Red’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved “bride” of nearly 50 years, Sheila (Regan) Chalmers. He was a dedicated father to his children, James (Diane) Chalmers and Kerry (Laurie) Chalmers, and joins his late son, Kenneth, in eternal rest. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Kenneth, Urline, Margaret, James, and Carol Ann.

His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren, Jennifer (Jake), Meghan (Mike), Luke (Tatiane), and Jackie, as well as his six great-grandchildren, Polly, Coby, Daisy, Cyris, Leon, and Diana. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

An active Christ follower, Red filled his time with fishing, golfing, wood carving, and painting. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and fellowship at the First Baptist Church in Sanford, Maine. His warmth, wisdom, humor and dedication to those he loved will be deeply missed.

Service will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Sanford First Baptist Church, 905 Main Street, Sanford, ME 04073. Calling hours at 10:00 am, immediately followed by funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate support for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209 (www.als.org).