Harold Doten, Jr.

Winter Haven, Florida – Harold L. Doten, passed away April 17, 2026.

Harold was born in the small town of Baileyville, Maine, August 11, 1935, but much of his youth was in the Riverside and Deering sections of Portland, Maine, where Harold’s parents owned and operated a General Store on Route 302 that welcomed visitors to Portland.

Harold joined the Marines when he graduated from Deering High School and served during the Korean Conflict which was led by the United States under the auspices of the United Nations Command. Throughout his time in the Marines, Harold traveled to South Korea, Japan and throughout the California Coast. In his time with the Marines he achieved the rank of Buck Sergeant. Once a Marine always a Marine. Harold lived his life with a strong sense for doing what was right, working hard, and being tenacious. Hal was the person you wanted to have your back. He accomplished things that few thought possible, helped those less fortunate, and provided a strong role model for his children, his nieces, his nephews, his grandchildren, and the community around him.

Upon returning from Korea courtesy of the GI Bill program, Harold attended the University of Portland-Gorham, referred to as “Pogo” which is now USM. Decades later when he dropped his daughter, Cynthia off for classes, he would look fondly at the little white wooden building on campus and state, “That’s where I attended classes.”

Harold/Hal along with his wife Rita, created and owned a wide range of different types of businesses including an appliance store, a furniture store, construction company and Freeport Village Campground. Harold and Rita’s legacy lives on with their sons and niece continuing Doten’s Construction. The legacy also continues with the operation of Freeport Village Campground and Hal and Rita’s rental properties.

He (and Rita) traveled to Tahiti, Hawaii and cruised the Caribbean Islands. During the 1990’s, Hal (and Rita) were Snowbirds and started RV travel which in 1999 brought them to the wonderful community of Carefree Country Club in Winter Haven, Florida. The Folks of Carefree became our extended family. They helped the Doten Clan in more than 20 years of Cancer Fun-d events to raise monies for cancer research.

Harold is survived by children, Michael L. Doten (Spouse Jenn), Steven H. Doten (Spouse Tammy), and Cynthia L. Doten (Spouse Dane Somers); and our extended family.

Harold was proud to be known as “Bambi,” a name given to him by his first grandchild, Rebecca, the name stuck and was used by the other grandchildren, Michael, April, Hilary, Alison, Michelle, Lynne, and Manus, as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as many children throughout the community.

Harold was predeceased by his wife Rita J (Gormley) Doten and his sibling, Richard Doten.

A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, May 22, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. There will be a reception following at Freeport Village Campground, refreshments will be served. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.

Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.