BUXTON- Samuel Eugene Short, 77, passed peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Buxton, where he resided most of his life. Sam attended Buxton schools and Bonny Eagle High School. He was an avid hunter and fisherman from childhood.
He enlisted in the Marines at 17 years old and served 2 tours in Vietnam. He arrived in-country mid-December of 1966 and was assigned to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines H & S Company Motor Transport section. He was promoted to PFC around February of 1967 and was assigned to be the driver, personal aide, bodyguard and forward observer to Lt. Colonel McNorton, Battalion CO. He was later promoted to Corporal and became the personal aide to Lt. Colonel Macalrat. As a combat veteran, he survived many battles and ambushes; always crediting his survival to the grace of God. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was extremely proud of his service to our country and especially proud for being part of the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines division.
Sam was an incredible father to not only his girls, but also to the many dogs and cats he
loved deeply throughout his life. He married Carol Smith in 1998 and they had many wonderful years together.
Sam had more close friends than can be counted. He was truly one of a kind and had an incredible sense of humor. Sam saw the wonder and magic in all things. He had a special twinkle in his eye, remembered by anyone that met him.
He enjoyed watching birds and wildlife, caring for his yard, and gardening. Sam had an incredible green thumb and tracked when each song bird arrived in the spring.
He enjoyed riding his Harley, and as he got older, his lawn mower. He enjoyed
several hunting trips ranging from Canada, the Midwest, and Mexico, but he always looked forward to coming home. When his vessel could no longer contain the immensity of his soul he made his final transition to join the many friends and loved ones who left before him. He lives on through his daughters and grandsons, in their smiles, the twinkle in their eyes, their love of nature, trust in God, and curiosity and wonder in all things. He will be forever loved and missed.
The family would like to sincerely thank the team at Maine Medical Center Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for their exceptional care and compassion and also the transport team from United Ambulance. They were instrumental in ensuring that his final wish of passing at his home in Buxton was fulfilled. For that, the family is eternally grateful.
Sam was predeceased by his best friend of 50 years Johnnie Jeffers, his sister Claire Pike and her children Daniel Pike, Delby Wormwood, Gracie Onofrio, his parents Asa Short and Avis Rankin, his grandmother Elizabeth Rankin, several beloved aunts and uncles, and even more beloved friends. He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Carol Short, daughter Bethany Garland, grandsons Samuel and Grady Garland, daughter Samantha Short and Grandson Asa Sellick, daughter Chelsea Cloutier and grandsons Lorenzo and Luca Cloutier, and daughter Candice Short and grandson Ashur Titcomb.
A graveside service with full military honors with be held at the South Buxton (Tory Hill) Cemetery on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Skip‘s Lounge in Buxton. All are welcome.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
- Celebrating the Lives of Veterans -