Vernon Bradeen passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 27th, 2021 at the age of 99. Vern was born on December 30th, 1921. Soon thereafter he was brought home (in a cardboard box no less) to the home where would live for most of his life. As a young man in East Sumner Maine, Vern found a talent for music. He took the train to a nearby town for lessons on the coronet. He found pleasure in learning to play the fiddle, guitar, and banjo. He attended the one room schoolhouse down the road where he met a local girl named Charlotte Hicks, whom he later married in the church across the street from his home. Their marriage lasted for 72 years until her passing in 2016.

Vern’s life was one of service. When WWII started, Vern joined the Army Air Corp and was stationed in Italy. He flew over 50 missions in his P51 Mustang, which he lovingly named “Charlotte.” He was ultimately awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his excellence. After the war, he served his church community by being Deacon for many years as well as singing in the choir, ringing the church bell to announce the services, and making sure the furnace was running in the cold winter months. He served his town and surrounding communities by managing the first foodbank at the church and being on the Sumner School Board as well as serving as Trustee and Treasurer of the Increase Robinson Library in East Sumner.

Professionally, Vern worked as a flight instructor and at Wilner Wood Products where he operated an automatic machine that turned out wooden heels. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and playing golf well into his 80’s. Vern was a cornerstone of the East Sumner community and could often be seen on ‘just right days’ sitting on his porch watching the world go by. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Vern is survived by his two daughters Karen, and her husband Ron and Verna, and her husband Mike, and his son, David; his six grandchildren, Elizabeth, and her husband Fred, Emily, and her husband Shane, Lisa, Mickey, Sarah, and her husband Denny, and Shawna, and her husband Ricky; and his nine great grandchildren, Fredrick, Mary Cate, Leah, Connor, Ethan, Paige, Zoe, Alexis, and James. He will also be remembered lovingly by his nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his loving wife Charlotte and his sister Louise.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to East Sumner Congregational Church, 50 Main Street, East Sumner, Maine 04292.

Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation & Funeral Services, 60 Andrews Road, Bryant Pond, Maine

Attachments area