Paul J. Deschenes

Paul J. Deschenes, 77, of Sanford, died December 14 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland after a brief illness.He was born in Sanford on March 27, 1928, the son of Jules and Desneiges (Fontaine) Deschenes and attended the former St. Ignatius School.He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, which became the US Air Force during his years of service.He was employed with the former Goodall-Sanford Textile Mills and then worked for over 15 years with the former Eastern Plastics, working his way up to foreman. He then worked for Morningstar from which he retired in 1978 due to ill health.He was a communicant of St. Ignatius Church.He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degrees in Sanford and was named Knight of the Year for 2004. He was a life member and current Chaplain of the VFW in Sanford, a member of the Amvets and the American Legion in Sanford. He was a member of the 56th Fighter Group Association and attended their reunions all over the country. He was also a member of the Nation of Acadian Metis Indians and attended many tribal powwows.He enjoyed woodworking and was known for his doll cradles which he used to make for the church Christmas fairs each year.Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Theresa M. (Therrien) Deschenes of Sanford, 5 sons, Paul E. Deschenes of Sanford, Mark E. Deschenes and his wife Marguerite of Sanford, John E. Deschenes and his wife Kim of Limerick, Ronald C. Deschenes and his wife Wendy of Grand Prairie, TX, Richard M. Deschenes of Sanford, 2 daughters, Claire E. Morrison and her husband James, Anne M. Wintermute and her husband Donald, both of Sanford, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 12:00 noon in St. Ignatius Church. Burial will be in the spring in St. Ignatius Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at the tab at left.