UNION — Thaxter S. Sedgwick, 78, died unexpectedly Dec. 23, 2013, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, after suffering a medical crisis at his home earlier that day.

Born in Camden June 19, 1935, he was the son of Payson L. and Muriel Gallison Sedgwick. During his youth, Thaxter lived in Camden, Rockport and Rockland. He attended local schools.

In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army, and after basic training he served three years in Germany. While home on leave, on Sept. 10, 1959, he married Roberta M. Olsen in St. George. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Germany for another two-year tour of duty. His next military assignment brought Thaxter to a military installation in Massachusetts, where he was pleased that his bride could join him in residence there. While serving in Massachusetts, the couple was blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Tammy.

In September 1963, Thaxter deployed for one year in Korea. Returning to U.S. soil, he received assignment to Ft. Reilly in Kansas, where he was again joined by his wife and daughter. The family was again blessed with the birth of their second daughter, Debi, while at Ft. Reilly. After receiving orders for deployment to Vietnam, Thaxter was given 15 days in which to move his family back to Maine. The next year he served in Vietnam and upon return, was stationed at Ft. Benning in Georgia. He was later deployed for another year in Vietnam. Thaxter's final military assignment was to Fort Dixin New Jersey, from which he retired Febr. 1, 1974, after 20 years of service and having earned the rank of sergeant first class.

In 1973, the Sedgwick family purchased a home in Union, and after his military retirement Thaxter was happy to re-join his family there.

A few months later, Thaxter began work as a corrections officer at Maine State Prison, then located in Thomaston. He ultimately retired Jan. 1, 1990, following 20 years of service with the Department of Corrections as a guard sergeant.

Never one to sit still, he worked another 10 years as a security guard at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

A life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rockland Memorial Post No. 2499, Thaxter was active at local, district and state levels of the VFW. He served 2000–2001 as state commander of the VFW, and was recognized as a Distinguished All American Commander. With Rockland Memorial Post, he held most every office of the Post and for many years coordinated the VFW bingo games. He was also a life member of Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland.

He was an active member of Knox County Fish and Game Association at Beaver Lodge and served many years as president of that organization. An excellent cook, he enjoyed cooking for events at the lodge.

Thaxter was devoted to his family, which included not only his immediate family, but his in-laws as well.

Other than his parents, he was predeceased by four sisters, Muriel, Albertress “Bo”, Florence and Laura. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Roberta of Union; two daughters, Tammy Moshier and Debi Sedgwick, both of Warren; one brother, Linwood Sedgwick and his wife, Avis, of Rockland; three grandchildren, Patrick Dare and his fiancé, Brittany Lailer, Danielle Moshier and Anne Marie Sedgwick; two great-grandchildren, Bailee Dare and Ryker Dare; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 10310, Portland, ME 04104.