Jeffery A Thebarge Obituary (1938 - 2014)

OLD TOWN AND PALMETTO, FL - Jeffery A. Thebarge, 76, died June 17, 2014 at a Bangor hospital surrounded by family. He was born January 12, 1938 in Anson a son of Jerry J. and Leana C. (Caron) Thebarge. Jeff graduated from Madison High School in 1956, where he was a catcher on the baseball team. Following high school he served with the US Army (1957-1959) and was stationed in Germany, and he served with the Air Guard retiring in 1993 as a Staff Sargent. He was employed by the Department of Agriculture as a contract specialist retiring in 1996. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers and going to the infamous hunting camp. Jeff had three main loves in his life: family, faith, and music. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed times spent with them and especially enjoyed following his grandchildren in their sporting activities. His strong catholic faith guided him through his life and he served as a cantor and sang in the choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. He loved to play violin and play music with his family. Jeff enjoyed camping and the last five years has wintered in Florida. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Merlene (Blanchette), whom he married August 22, 1964; two daughters, Leanna Dwyer of FL, and Kimberly Bell and her husband, Stacey of Old Town; three grandchildren, Thomas "TJ" Rafuse, Kristyn Bell, and Kaileigh Bell; son-in-law, Peter Rafuse of Waterville; four brothers, twin brother, Edmund Thebarge and his wife, Lorraine of Orrington, Ernest Thebarge of Crosslake, Walter Thebarge and his wife, Betty of Madison, Edwin Thebarge and his wife, Crystal of Emden; three sisters, Evelyn Leeman of Madison, Florence Gorman of Madison, Evangeline "Beanie" Richardson of Anson; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Armond Thebarge, and four sisters, Eva Thebarge, Lena Pratt, Lydia Moulton, and Grace Boyce.Friends may call 6-8 PM Friday where members of the Knights of Columbus will recite prayers at 7:30 at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bradley. Immediately following the mass all are invited to Parish Hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Care of Maine, EMHS Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931 www.emhsfoundation.org/donate/