ROCKLAND — Harold J. “Perley” Axtell, 89, died peacefully on May 2, 2017, at Windward Gardens in Camden, following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Rockland on Nov. 8, 1927, he was the son of Perley Alexander and Leola Rowling Axtell.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Stevens) Axtell of Rockland; two sisters, Gloria Young of Rockland, and Marlene Tolman and her husband, Chester Mank, of Warren; his children, Nancy Vanorse and her husband, David, of Rockland, and John Axtell of Summerville, S.C.; his stepsons, Jeff Marshall and his wife, Kristi, of Allen, Texas, and Derek Marshall of Cumberland.

He was always extremely proud of all of his grandchildren, Heidi Vanorse Neal and her husband, Joel, of Rockland, Katy Vanorse of Thomaston, Bethany Vanorse of St. George, Travis Axtell of Chantilly, Va., and Kristin Axtell of Summerville, S.C.; his step-grandchildren, Kayli and Connor Marshall, and Eden and Gabriel Marshall. He also had three great-grandchildren, Natalie Vanorse, and Kaylie and Amara Axtell, as well as several nephews and a niece.

Perley left high school early to serve in the U.S. Navy, returning to graduate from Rockland High School after serving his country. Following that, for 25 years, he worked for the US Postal Service, delivering Parcel Post. After retiring from the USPS, he worked as a real estate agent for Charles Jillson and as a deputy for Knox County Sheriff's Department.

In his younger years, Perley enjoyed hunting and fishing and he always had a story to tell. He was also an avid golfer at the Rockland Golf Club. He was a life member of the Rockland Elks and Knox County Fish and Game.

A Celebration of Perley's life will be held Thursday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 20 White St. in Rockland. The Rev. Lael Sorensen will officiate. Private interment will be held at Achorn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

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