PITTSTON — Gerald D. Blethen, 63, of Squirrel Haven died on Friday, June 20, 2008, at his residence after a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Aug. 31, 1944, the son of Frank and Alice (Crafts) Blethen.

He proudly served his country in the Army, serving three tours in Vietnam. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, drag racing and building cars.

He worked at Bath Iron Works for more than 25 years as a welder.

He was predeceased by a sister, Sandra; and a brother, Dennis.

Surviving are his wife, Leona of Pittston; two daughters, Shawna Degen and her husband, Barnett Jr., of Manchester, and Lauren Smith of Brunswick; a son, Ted Smith and his wife, Michelle, of Indiana; four grandchildren Olivia of Manchester and Jerry, Cameron and Amber of Indiana; a mother-in-law, Ida Churchill of Pittston; two stepsisters; and a stepbrother.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the New Maine Veterans Cemetery on Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta.

Arrangements are by Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.