Earl D. Dighton, 78, of 9 Cheney Drive, Wiscasset, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 with loving family by his side.

Earl was born on February 15, 1937 in Boothbay Harbor, a son of Theodore and Eithel (Harmon) Dighton.

He was educated in the Boothbay Harbor schools and proudly served as a U.S. Marine before returning to East Boothbay to raise his family. Earl worked locally doing carpentry with Harry Emerson before taking a job as a planner at Bath Iron Works. After retiring in 2001, he worked with his son on a lot of building projects taking pride in everything he did.

Earl loved being with and around his family, genuinely taking the time for each and every one. He was a very patient and understanding man, easy to respect and admire. Earl had many hobbies that he enjoyed, including bowling, cribbage and horseshoes. He left his handiwork with almost everyone he knew. A hard-working and well-rounded man, comfortable with a tool, horseshoe, Bible, or grandchild’s hand in his.

He was a longtime member of the Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church and involved in missionary causes, from the food pantry, helping to build a school in Honduras, to helping troubled teens in Vermont.

Earl was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Patricia J. Dighton.

He is survived by three sons, David E. Dighton and companion Carol Papciak of South Portland, William E. Dighton and companion Kathy Frizzell of Alna, and Norman N. Bryant and his wife Katie of Wiscasset; four daughters, Teresa A. Williams and her husband Dan of Boothbay Harbor, Holly M. Hardwick and her husband Steve of Eagle Lake, Marsha A. DeCosta and her husband Randy of Alna, and Kelly J. Bryant of Wiscasset; two sisters, Dot Murphy and Ella Kinney; sisters-in law and families, 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by six brothers, David, Richard, John, William, Robert and Earnest Dighton, and four sisters, Mary Pitcher, Edna Dillon, Alice Fletcher and Patricia Holmes.

A celebration of Earl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church, Route1, Woolwich. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Church Fellowship Hall. A burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Earl’s memory to: Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church, 15 Fellowship Drive, Woolwich, ME 04579.

Funeral arrangements by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.DaigleFuneralHome.com