Col. (Ret.) Wilbur W. Philbrook, Jr.
DAYTON- Col. (Ret.) Wilbur W. Philbrook, Jr. was born in South Portland, Maine on November 16, 1932 to Wilbur W. Philbrook and Charlene (Foster) Philbrook. Will died on January 9, 2018 at his home in Dayton, Maine.
He graduated from South Portland High School in 1951 and Bowdoin College in 1955. A lifelong learner, he earned a master’s degree in business administration and attended multiple military schools culminating with graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Will was commissioned into the United States Army upon graduation from Bowdoin and served 28 ½ years, retiring as Colonel. His Army assignments included serving our country in Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Panama and multiple state side locations. After retiring from the Army he moved back to Maine where he started a second career at VR Business eventually becoming owner of the business. Upon retiring full-time Will enjoyed his family and continuing involvement with his community and the Goodwin Mills United Methodist Church.
Will was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Ann L. (Polk) Philbrook, his son Alan, his brother Lt. Col. Robert Philbrook (U.S. Army, Retired) and both his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Gail (Abbott) Philbrook; his daughter Charlene E. Philbrook and partner Roy Harper of Dayton, Maine; his son Edward L. Philbrook and his wife Bobbie of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; his son Major Mark A. Philbrook (U.S. Army, Retired) and his wife Judy of Fayetteville, North Carolina; step-daughter Patricia Vigue and her husband Henry of Lyman, Maine; step-son Joseph Nason of Dayton, Maine; step-son CWO5 Roger S. Hooper (U.S. Navy, Retired) and his wife Barbara of Lyman, Maine; step-son Thomas E. Hooper of Dayton, Maine; his sister Barbara (Philbrook) Beesley of Westbrook, Maine; 16 grand-children as well as multiple great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Will’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Goodwin’s Mills United Methodist Church, 55 Church Street, Lyman, Maine with a reception following in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Will’s honor to the USO or the Goodwin’s Mills United Methodist Church.