Erwin Houdlette Obituary (1934 - 2016)

Erwin Harold Houdlette 1934 - 2016 AUGUSTA - Erwin Harold Houdlette, 81, of Gardiner, died on Jan. 19, 2016, at Maine General Medical Center surrounded by his family after a short illness. He was born in Gardiner on September 25, 1934, the son of the late Wilber and Lucille Houdlette. Erwin graduated from Gardiner High School in 1953 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. Erwin was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Vietnam War until his retirement in 1974 with the rank of E-8, Senior Chief Signalman. He then went on to a second career as a clerk at Togus VA Hospital, retiring after 20 years. Erwin was loved by four grandchildren. Sean and Amanda Bailey, Bradford and Christopher Houdlette, fifteen step grandchildren and many great step grandchildren. He especially loved to care for his youngest grandchildren Olivia and Brianna. Erwin is survived by his wife, Jeannine Houdlette of Gardiner; his sister Merdeen Shain of Hallowell. Erwin had two children from his first marriage, Mark and wife Stephanie Houdlette of Pittston and Melodie and husband Scott Bailey of Spring, Tx, along with his stepchildren, Diane Gauthier from Lewiston, Richard and Sandra Pearce from Auburn, Linda and John Mihaliki from Florida, Gary and Terri Pearce from Maryland, Daniel Pearce from Hebron, Kathy and Norman Jalbert from Lewiston, Robert and Tracey Pearce from Sabattus and Tammy and Mike Vashon from Richmond. Erwin was predeceased by his brother William Houdlette and his first wife Gloria (McCormick) Houdlette. Burial services will be held in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery followed by a celebration of his life (time and place will be announced at a later date).