William Beane

William Beane

SKOWHEGAN -- William S. "Billy" Beane, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, at Cedar Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Skowhegan.

Bill was born in Moscow, the son of Eugene E. and Julia E. (Smith) Beane.

He was educated in Moscow and Bingham schools and also a welding school in South Portland. Bill worked at Quimby Veneer Company in Bingham for three years before his employment as a welder in the East Yard at the South Portland Shipyard for four years.

Bill married Alice M. Vigneault on July 2, 1941. She died on Jan. 7, 1975.

In 1946, Bill and Alice purchased the Wyman Dam Store in Moscow, which was later renamed Beane's General Store and remained in business for 41 years.

Bill served as first selectman of Moscow from 1954 to 1969. During that time, he was instrumental in organizing the Moscow Water District and for having the Frith Road constructed, which connected the two sides of Moscow.

Bill was elected to the Maine State Legislature in 1960 and then again in 1964. He was past King Lion of the Bingham Lions Club, past president of the Bingham-Moscow Chamber of Commerce, charter member and first Grand Knight of the John F. Kennedy Council Knights of Columbus. Bill was also a charter member and past five-year trustee of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge.

Bill is survived by his dear sister, Doris, with whom he resided following his stroke, and sister-in-law Alma Beane, both of Waterville. Also surviving are a daughter, Carol Morrison and her husband, Blair, of Milbridge; sons James of Moscow, Donald and his wife, Camille, of Moscow, Albert and his friend, Rose Ann Ross, of Bryant Pond, and Gary and his friend, Cherelyn Rosato, of Smithfield. Bill is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Eugene and Philip, and a grandson, Aric Beane.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St. in Bingham. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at St. Peter's Church, Owens Street, Bingham, with Father Maurice Morin as the celebrant.

Bill's family extends their gratitude to the staff at Cedar Ridge for their loving care and concern.

Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Alice Beane Scholarship fund, Superintendent's Office, P.O. Box 649, Bingham, ME 04920.