THOMASTON — Donald R. Thorndike, 83, life-long resident and long-time truck driver, died March 26, 2017, at his home following an extended illness.

Born in Thomaston on Sept. 18, 1933, he was the son of Horatio and Georgianna Taylor Wyllie Thorndike. Educated locally, he was a 1951 graduate of Thomaston High School.

Following graduation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Serving during both the Vietnam and Korean wars he held multiple stations and flew numerous missions as a flight engineer. He was proud to have flown wounded soldiers to safety, those who didn't make it home, as well diplomats and other important personnel. At one point he even flew missions over Vietnam, knowing his brother was stationed on the ground there. His wife remembered with tears, Don recounting memories of checking the flight list with names of the soldiers he was transporting who had been killed in action, as he was looking for his own brother's name. Thankfully, his name never appeared on that list. During his time in the Air Force Don also held a private pilot's license. He was honorably discharged after 20 years of service.

Returning to his beloved Thomaston, Don began his life with Annie L. Watts, whom he had married March 21, 1964.

After leaving the service, Don spent his career as a truck driver. Over the years he drove for many local companies, including Martin Marietta, Dragon Cement, Reed Easton, Bill Louden Seafood and Paulsen Brothers, to name a few.

He was very mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything with an engine. He loved to tinker around the house and take things apart. Don was an avid baseball fan, attending many games in Boston. Together with his family he enjoyed boating, fishing and cruising around the islands. Don was also a proud member of V.F.W. Post No. 2499 in Rockland.

He will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by his brothers, Paul Thorndike in 2004 and Robert Thorndike in 2016; Donald is survived by his wife, Annie Thorndike of Thomaston; his son, Wayne Thorndike and his partner, Dianne Rahkonen, of South Thomaston; his daughter, Donna Winslow and her husband, Robert, of Lincolnville; Jeanne Johnson of Rockland, whom he thought of as a daughter; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, June 3, at 2 p..m. at Village Cemetery in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rockland V.F.W. Post No. 2499, 235 Park Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.