ROCKLAND — Lewis "Lou" Dyer, 79, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at his home in Rockland.

He was born in Rockland on March 17, 1947. Raised in Owls Head, Lou graduated from Rockland High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving from 1968 to 1972 aboard the USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709) out of Newport, Rhode Island.

Upon his return home, he bought a house on Crocketts Beach Road and started his family. Lou worked various jobs at Eastern Tire Company and National Seafood until 1974, when he began a long career at FMC Corp. He worked there as a boilerman from 1974 to 1985 and then went on to work for Superior Maintenance from 1985 to 1996. A true entrepreneur, he later opened his own business, Lou's Commercial Cleaners, which he successfully operated from 1993 until his retirement.

Lou loved spending time with his family and friends, and he thoroughly enjoyed a little gambling every now and then. He was a proud, 50-year member of the Elks Club in Rockland, as well as a longtime member of the American Legion Post #1. Lou truly never met a stranger; if you knew him, you knew he could start a friendly conversation with absolutely anyone.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Gloria Dyer of Owls Head; his sister, Linda Strout; and his nephew Charlie Godfrey of South Thomaston.

Lou is survived by his daughter, Lori Dyer Mank, her husband Christopher, and their son Michael. He is also survived by his nephew James Godfrey and his family of Owls Head; his great-niece, Ali James and her family of Rockland; and his cousin, Reggie Smith and his family. He leaves behind Linda Teel, the mother of his daughter; his stepson, Steven Robinson; his second wife, Deborah Dyer and her family; and his special companion, Marla Manz, along with her wonderful family who loved him so much. Lou will also be dearly missed by his many close friends from Stella Maris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., the American Legion in Rockland.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a story or memory with the Dyer family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com.