1925 – 2013

POWNAL — Robert Dudley Purinton, 87, of Pownal, died Friday April 5, at Maine Medical Center.

He was born on June 13, 1925, in Augusta, a son of George D. and Anna J. Laughlin Purinton. Robert attended elementary school in Gray and the Pennell Institute, also in Gray.

Robert, along with many of his classmates, joined the Army and served during World War II. Following the war, he returned to Maine. In 1956, he began working as a brick mason. During the early part of his career, he worked in several of the of the East Coast states. Since 1960, he worked mostly in Maine. For many years, he operated R.D. Purinton and Son. He retired at the age of 79.

Robert was a member of Hiram Lodge No. 180 AF & AM of South Portland. He earned the distinction of attaining the status of a 33rd Degree Mason. He was a former member of the Shrine. Robert was also a member of American Legion Post No. 83 of Freeport. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Robert was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He was proud of his lifetime trapping license.

Survivors include two sons, George Carlton Purinton and wife, Linda, of New Gloucester, and Robert Dean Purinton and wife, Gail, of Durham; a sister, Shirley Grover Portland; a brother, Clifford Purinton of Sweden; four grandchildren, Krista Brown and husband, Josh, Trevor Purinton, Matthew Purinton, and Angela Sequiera and husband, Tony; and three great-grandchildren, Ella Brown, Sara Brown and Issac Purinton.

Robert was predeceased by his parents; and his wife, Ruth (Catlin) Purinton, in 2009.Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.