Richard E. Burbank

Richard E. Burbank, Sr., 76, of Alfred Road, Lyman, died Wednesday at his home after several months of declining health. He was born in Alfred, Septebmer 13, 1926, a son of Caleb U. and Helen Wiggin Burbank. He had lived here for the past 30 years and formerly lived in Alfred.He attended Alfred High School and following his junior year enlisted in the U.S.Navy during WWII. He served on the USS Tatum, a destroyer escort, in the Pacific Theater.Upon his return following the war he worked as a logger and truck driver for several local companies. He was then employed for over 30 years as a truck driver for Red Star Express in S. Portland, retiring in 1990.When not driving, he enjoyed camping with his family, and continued RVing until his wife of 53 years, Beverly, died in 2001.He loved to snowmobile with his friends in Alfred, Eustis and Greenville. He owned snow machines since the early 60's.He was an avid stock car fan, watching many races in Scarborough and later in Louden, NH. He spent many Sunday's watching stock car races on TV and was especially fond of #99, Jeff Burton.He was a member of the Teamsters Union, Local 340 in Portland. He was also a member of Fraternal Lodge and Kora Temple Shire, Lewiston. He was also a member Brown-Emmons Post, American Legion, in Alfred, where he volunteered with Legion suppers for many years. He was also a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association, of which he was quite proud.He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly Babcock Burbank in 2001, a daughter, Brenda LaMarre in 1996 and a brother, Caleb Burbank, Jr. who died in WWII.Survivors include a son, Richard & Rachel Burbank, Jr. of North Berwick, a daughter, Linda & Barry Gendron of North Grosvenordale, CT, 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Three sisters also survive, Elizabeth Bickford of Alfred, Doris Shank of Miami, FL and Marsha Clark of Russellville, KY.For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday at Heald Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, where services by the Masons and American Legion will be held. Interment later in the Spring will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Alfred.