Raymond Darke

LEVANT – Raymond Darke, 92, passed away Thursday March 27, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born January 20, 1922, in Kirkland, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of Leon and Sarah (Darke) Demerchant. He was adopted at a young age by his maternal grandparents John and Gertrude Darke. Raymond graduated from grade school in Bancroft and went to work on his grandparents farm. He served with the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII as a tank gunner and was promoted to tank commander as the war ended. He earned many medals during the war including the Purple Heart. He married Audrey Irish of Sherman and after several moves they settled in Hermon. After his marriage he acquired his GED and graduated from M.V.T.I. in Augusta, then went to work for Owen Darling in Bangor, Bean & Conquest, and E.R.Dysarts, where he retired. He was the Past Master of Lynde Lodge AF&AM of Hermon, Past Noble Grand IOOF of Hermon, Past Commander of Post #200 American Legion of Hermon, Past Noble Grand Eastern Star Rebekah Lodge of Hermon, Past Patron OES Jonathan Hunt #9 of Hermon and Star in the East of Hampden. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was predeceased by his sister Beulah Mackie and several adoptive brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his wife Audrey Darke of Levant, two daughters, Karen Higgins and her husband Dennis of Levant, Betty Pomeroy and her husband Gene of Howland, a son Wayne Darke of Holden, a bonus daughter Kathy Tracy and her husband Milt of Hermon, three granddaughters, Angela Gordon of Wellington, New Zealand, Marie Helmick of Waynesboro, VA, Allison Young of Richland WA; three grandsons, Clint Gordon of Leesburg, VA, Allen Hartley of Glenburn, Philip Tracy of Kennebunkport; four great grandsons Aidan, Clayton, Logan, and Vincent; three great granddaughters, Sarina, Kathryn, and Lillian. He is survived by a brother and sister he found late in life, Frederick Demerchant and his wife Donna of McAdam N.B. Canada, and Una (Demerchant) Blue of Brownville Jct. Friends are invited to call 10 AM Thursday April 3, 2014, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM with the Rev. Grace Bartlett officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, following the service. Interment with military honors will take place at a later date at Snow’s Corner Cemetery in Hermon. Those who wish to remember Raymond in a special way may make gifts in his memory to either New Hope Hospice, PO Box 70, Eddington, ME 04428-0070 or American Legion Memorial Fund, Arnold R. Kelly Post 200, PO box 6116, Hermon ME 04402. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.