UNION — Walter C. Rich of Union, 92, passed away July 17, 2016, at The Highlands in Topsham, surrounded by his family.

Walter was born Jan. 30, 1924, in Searsport, to Irving and Loretta (Sabre) Rich.

When Walter was 9 years old, the Riches moved to Union, leaving behind many caring relatives that would link Searsport and Union relatives for generations, with family ties that continue today.

Walter graduated from Union High School in 1941 and like so many other young men of his generation, enlisted into the Armed Forces, specifically the Army Air Corp in April of 1942. After extensive training, Walter became a member of the 96th Bomb Group in Europe in November of 1943 and was assigned to fly as part of a B-17 Flying Fortress flight crew as a ball turret operator.

On March 4, 1944, Walter's B-17, Mischiefmaker ll, experienced serious engine failures during the first daytime bombings of Berlin, which would result in the crew bailing out over Waterloo, Belgium. Along with several crew members, Walter was captured and began his time as a prisoner of war that lasted 15 months and included the 90-day, 600-mile, Black March that terminated in May 1945 as the war in Europe was ending.

Upon returning to the United States, Walter married his wife of nearly 71 years, Barbara (Morton) Rich on Aug. 11, 1945. The two of them chose to live in Union, which they called home throughout their entire marriage.

Following several years of employment with Rockland based companies, Walter's career as Union’s postmaster began, first as acting postmaster in July 1954, then appointed postmaster in 1955. He served the town of Union in this capacity until he retired in 1984. He was a charter member of the postal organization NARFE during this time.

Throughout his career, Walter served his country, state and community in numerous ways and for his efforts, was awarded the State of Maine "Blue Chip" Citizen Award.

Walter was a member of the U.S. Air Force reserve from May 1950 until December 1964, a member of the U.S. Navy reserve from December 1964 until January 1984, and he belonged to American Legion Post #110.

While a member of the Union Chamber of Commerce he, along with fellow Union residents, devoted time and energy to encourage Camden National Bank to open a branch on the Common in 1960.

In 1968, Walter became the secretary of the Union Fair, a position he held until 1994.

Until his passing, Walter was a member of the United Methodist Church for 58 years, serving in various roles, including treasurer and auditor.

One of Walter's passions was his volunteerism and he provided the town of Union with many appreciated hours throughout his career and during his retirement. His last voluntary position happened during his retirement years as a member of the town's 911 Committee, which established an all-important street directory that Walter constantly updated for many years.

Throughout his life, Walter enjoyed hunting and fishing, family gatherings, and during his retirement, alongside Barbara, could be seen hauling their camper up and down the Eastern Seaboard, including New Brunswick, Canada. Walter and his fellow retired postmaster pals, Arthur and George, would join their wives and take numerous bus tours to destinations all over the United States. On two occasions, with Barbara by his side, Walter joined Union residents and friends and returned to Europe, only these trips were as sightseers.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his brother, Harry; his son, Larry and his wife, Michelle; his granddaughters, Jennifer, and Amanda and her husband, Matt; his step-grandchildren, Ferah and her husband, Nate, and their baby daughter, Evelyn, and Sera and Erol. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, who all had fathers who served in World War II and beyond.

The list of Walter's predeceased family members include his parents, Irving and Loretta; his sister, Betty; his brother, William; and his loving daughter, Bonnie.

A celebration of Walter's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Union. An informal visitation with family and friends will be held after the service, downstairs in the church vestry.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Come Spring Food Bank, 715 Sennebec Road, Union, ME 04862.

Hall's of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements