FREEPORT — Kenneth Earle Manter, 83, died Sept. 4 at Freeport Nursing Home after a long illness.  

Born in Wayne, on Oct. 25, 1927, he was the son of Earle and Pearle (Norris) Manter.  

On July 10, 1948, he married the love of his life, Barbara J. Sloat, and together they raised five children in Freeport.

He enjoyed attending his children’s school activities, family camping trips and studying family history.

For many years he worked as a foreman at the E.E. Taylor Shoe Co. warehouse in Freeport. From 1972 until his retirement in 1992, he worked in the carpenter shop at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in South Portland.

During his retirement he worked at the welcome gate in the summers at Winslow Park.

He was a member of Freeport Masonic Lodge No. 23, A.F.& A.M, serving as Master in 1978.  He was also a member of Casco Chapter No. 160, Order of Eastern Star, Freeport, Portland Valley, Scottish Rite, Portland, Cumberland-Mount Vernon No. 1, R.A.M., Yarmouth and Kora Shrine, Lewiston.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Barbara; son Kevin Manter and wife Michelle, daughter Sheri French and husband Gary, son Scott Manter and wife Barbara, daughter Linda Davenport and husband Gene, and daughter Shelly Bennett; sister Bertha Fogg and husband Alfred; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.   

Friends and family are cordially invited to a Masonic memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Freeport Masonic Lodge, 33 Mallet Dr., Freeport.  

Please visit lindquistfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with the Manter family.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

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