Obituary of Stanley E Knox

Stanley E. Knox, 93, peacefully passed away May 17th, 2017 at the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. He was born in Saco, on March 14th, 1924 to E. Victor Knox and Annie Mae (Eason) Knox. Stan was a graduate of Thornton Academy, class of 1943. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the 709th Military Police Battalion, Company B, for 3 years. Stan served in The European Theater in Paris under the command of Gen. Eisenhower for a year and a half and ended his tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany. In Mach of 1947, Stan was appointed Chief of Police in his hometown of Saco. At that time, he was the youngest Chief of Police in the United States. In January 1950, he joined the Maine State Police, where he served for 20 years patrolling the Midcoast and Waldo county areas. He served as chauffer and bodyguard for three Maine Governors and was part of the security team when President Johnson visited Maine. He was a member of the State Police Masonic degree team, as well as the State Police pistol team. In 1967, Stan and Dick Perry represented the Maine State Police at the Eastern States Expo in Springfield, MA. Stan was a 70-year member and past Master of the Star in the West Masonic Lodge #85 of Unity. In 1954 he joined the Anah Shrine and served as an assistant to several Potentates. In 1958, Stan married Mary E. (Blake) Drake of Unity, and raised three children: Farley M. Drake, Steven W. Drake, and Mary E. Knox (Wells). Stan and his family lived in Unity where he was active in Cub and Boy Scout leadership, and as a mentor to many young people. He continuingly worked on fundraising projects for the kids. Stan retired in 1970 from the Maine State Police and ran for the office of Waldo County Sherriff, which he won and served for 20 years. He and his family were the last family to have lived in the historic “Jail House” at 19 Congress St. Belfast. The years spent there could be a “story in itself,’ raising a young family in such an uncommon and eventful place. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s Stan continued being an active member in many committees and associations. He was very involved with the new developments in the law enforcement world, serving as a member and Vice Chairman of the Eastern Maine Development District and member of Eastern Maine Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. He was a founding member and past President of the Waldo County Law Enforcement Association and remained an active member of the Maine State Police Retiree Association, serving as one of its past Presidents. He was a 20-year member of the Belfast Rotary, and past member of the Unity Rotary. Stan was a long time member of the Maine State Republican Committee, the Republican Committee of Unity, the Waldo County Shrine Club, and a life member of the Unity Historical Society. In 1996, Stan was elected to the Waldo County Commission where he served four years. During the last year of his term, he served as its chairman. Stan always said he “enjoyed” working with and for the people he served. In 2001, Stan officially retired, and he and his wife Mary enjoyed being snowbirds for many years, making their winter home in N. Ft. Myers, Florida. Throughout the years, Stan not only exemplified the dedication of being a public servant, but also as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Stan was pre-deceased by his parents, and 4 brothers: William, Robert, Richard and Thomas. Stan is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary; his sister Ann L. Beote of Saco; his children: Paula Ann Smith, Farley M. Drake, Steven W. Drake, Mary E. (Knox) Wells and her husband Craig; his grandchildren: Ryan S. Drake and his mother Dianne Drake, Devon N. Drake and her mother Charlotte Drake, Hannah Mae Wells, Jenna Ree Wells, Aaron Smith, Everett Smith, Jessica (Smith) Wurtzel and husband Frederick; great granddaughter Willow Belle Wurtzel; Granddog “Little Bear”; Many nieces, nephews, and a very special “life long” friend Philip Sherman. Visiting hours will be at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, ME, on June 5th, 2017. 12 noon to 2 pm and 4pm to 6pm with a Masonic Service at 6pm. Everyone is invited. Deep gratitude and appreciation extended to the entire staff of Waldo County General Hospital and the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor, for the special care given to Stan during his final days here on Earth with us. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stanley E. Knox Memorial Scholarship that will be given annually to a chosen high school graduate in Waldo County that plans to pursue a college degree in law enforcement or becoming an educator. Donations can be sent to ATTN: Stanley E. Knox Memorial Scholarship P.O. Box 395 Unity, ME, 04988 Donations can also be made in Stan’s memory to the Youth Law Enforcement programs in our area or the charity of your choice.