UNITY — Stanley E. Knox, 93, peacefully passed away on May 17, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor. He was born in Saco on March 14, 1924, to E. Victor Knox and Annie Mae (Eason) Knox.

Stan was a graduate of Thornton Academy, Class of 1943. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the 709th Military Police Battalion, Company B, for thre years. Stan served in the European Theater in Paris under the command of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower for a year and a half and ended his tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany.

In Mach of 1947, Stan was appointed chief of police in his hometown of Saco. At that time, he was the youngest chief of police in the United States. In January 1950, he joined the Maine State Police, where he served for 20 years patroling the Midcoast and Waldo county areas. He served as chauffeur and bodyguard for three Maine governors and was part of the security team when President Lyndon B. Johnson visited Maine. He was a member of the State Police Masonic degree team, as well as the State Police pistol team. In 1967, Stan and Dick Perry represented the Maine State Police at the Eastern States Expo in Springfield, Mass.

Stan was a 70-year member and past Master of the Star in the West Masonic Lodge #85 of Unity. In 1954 he joined the Anah Shrine and served as an assistant to several potentates.

In 1958, Stan married Mary E. (Blake) Drake of Unity, and raised three children: Farley M. Drake, Steven W. Drake and Mary E. Knox (Wells).

Stan and his family lived in Unity, where he was active in Cub and Boy Scout leadership, and was a mentor to many young people. He also continuously worked on fundraising projects for the kids.

Stan retired in 1970 from the Maine State Police and ran for the office of Waldo County Sherriff, which he won and served for 20 years. He and his family were the last family to have lived in the historic "Jail House" at 19 Congress St. Belfast. The years spent there could be a "story in itself,' raising a young family in such an uncommon and eventful place.

During the 1970s, 80s and 90s Stan continued being an active member in many committees and associations. He was very involved with the new developments in the law enforcement world, serving as a member and vice chairman of the Eastern Maine Development District and member of Eastern Maine Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. He was a founding member and past president of the Waldo County Law Enforcement Association and remained an active member of the Maine State Police Retiree Association, serving as one of its past presidents. He was a 20-year member of Belfast Rotary Club and past member of Unity Rotary. Stan was a long time member of the Maine State Republican Committee, the Republican Committee of Unity, the Waldo County Shrine Club, and a life member of the Unity Historical Society.

In 1996, Stan was elected to the Waldo County Commission, where he served four years. During the last year of his term, he served as its chairman.

Stan always said he "enjoyed" working with and for the people he served.

In 2001, Stan officially retired, and he and Mary enjoyed being snowbirds for many years, making their winter home in North Ft. Myers, Fla.

Throughout the years, Stan not only exemplified the dedication of being a public servant, but also as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Stan was predeceased by his parents; and four brothers, William, Robert, Richard and Thomas.

Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary; his sister, Ann L. Beote of Saco; his children, Paula Ann Smith, Farley M. Drake, Steven W. Drake, and Mary E. (Knox) Wells and her husband, Craig; his grandchildren, Ryan S. Drake and his mother, Dianne Drake, Devon N. Drake and her mother, Charlotte Drake, Hannah Mae Wells, Jenna Ree Wells, Aaron Smith, Everett Smith, and Jessica (Smith) Wurtzel and her husband, Frederick; his great-granddaughter, Willow Belle Wurtzel; his granddog, Little Bear; many nieces and nephews; and a very special "life-long" friend, Philip Sherman.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, June 5, from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. in Belfast, with a Masonic Service at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited.

Deep gratitude and appreciation is extended to the entire staff of Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast and the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor, for the special care given to Stan during his final days here on earth with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stanley E. Knox Memorial Scholarship that will be given annually to a chosen Waldo County high school graduate who plans to pursue a college degree in law enforcement or becoming an educator. Donations can be sent to: Stanley E. Knox Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 395, Unity, ME 04988.

Donations can also be made in Stan's memory to youth law enforcement programs in our area or the charity of your choice.