BRISTOL — Lawrence G. Pooler Jr., 89, formerly of Glen Cove in Rockport, died Feb. 3, 2013, at Coves Edge Nursing Home in Damariscotta, after a brief illness.

Born in Mayfield Plantation June 21, 1923, he was the son of Lawrence G. Sr. and Catherine Fitzsimmons Pooler. He began school in his living room, as a teacher came in to teach local children. Lawrence later attended schools in Wellington and Moscow, before graduating from Bingham High School with the class of 1942.

On Jan. 5, 1943, Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Army and, after basic training, served in Battery B of the 208th Field Artillery as a heavy artillery gunman. He saw active duty throughout the European theater, Northern France, the Rhineland and Normandy. He was discharged Dec. 21, 1945, having earned the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, American Theater Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Victory Medal.

Returning to civilian life, Lawrence worked in the Bingham Mill before moving to Rockland. In Rockland, he worked a while with the Rockland Lime Company before beginning employment with F.J. O'Hara & Son. Lawrence retired at the age of 80, after more than 50 years working in that company's ice plant.

In 1952 he began attending First Baptist Church in Rockland, where he met Celia Herrick. The couple married at that church May 16, 1954. In 1957, they purchased a home in Glen Cove, where they raised their children and lived more than 50 years. In June 2007, they moved to Bristol to be closer to their son. Mrs. Pooler died Aug. 29, 2010.

A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Rockland, Lawrence served many years a deacon and head usher. In 1995, he moved his membership to the West Rockport Baptist Church. Since moving to Bristol, he attended Lincoln County Assembly of God in Damariscotta.

Other than his parents and beloved wife, Lawrence was pre-deceased by three sisters, Eleanor Pooler Morrill, Alice Pooler Dyer and Mary Katherine Clark; and one brother, Henry Pooler. He is survived by his daughter, Belinda Jo Plymak of Sutton, Vt., and her long-time boyfriend, Hans Hochheimer of Ottawa, Ontario; his son, Jeffrey L. Pooler of Bristol; five grandchildren, Amy Plymak currently deployed at Qatar Al Udeid Air Base, Shawn Plymak of New Jersey, Kayla, Ashley, and Austin Pooler of Bristol; his brother, Charles L. Pooler and his wife, Norma, of Bingham; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Herrick Simmons of Rockport; his brother-in-law, Alfred Dyer of Moscow; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Deschene of Bristol; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A time of visiting will be held Monday, Feb. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service with military honors at 2 p.m. at Lincoln County Assembly of God, Business Route 1 (Main Street), Damariscotta. The Rev. Tom Wagers will officiate. A reception will follow at the church. Spring interment will be at Glen Cove Cemetery in Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lincoln County Assembly of God, 672 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.

To share a memory or story with Lawrence's family, visit his on-line Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

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