Obituary of John Lawrence Cushman

John Lawrence Cushman Sr, 86 of Searsmont, passed away on May 12th 2019 at Togus Springs in Augusta with family by his side. John was born March 29, 1933, the oldest of 13 children to Lawrence E Cushman Sr & Viola (Skinner) Cushman. He was predeceased by both parents, his first wife Esther (Harriman) Cushman, son Dennis Lee, brothers Robert Sr. and James; his sister Bertha Ruuk, sisters-in-law Thelma and Trina, brother-in-law Ray Baron & by a special Aunt Hester Ryan. He is survived by his wife, Josephine, sons John Jr and wife Angela, and George, four stepsons: Joel Long, Jason Long, Jarred Long his wife Shona, Justin Long his wife Karen, two step-daughters Jolene Long and Dennessa Hildings her husband Foy; four step-children from his first marriage, Joseph Coolbroth, Mary Howard and husband David, Jennie Coolbroth, Charlene Joy and husband Terry; siblings George, Esther Reece, Ruth Merrifield, David and wife Sylvia, Mary Baron, Dorothy Sherwood and husband Paul, Janice Glidden and husband Reginald, Steve, Lawrence Jr and wife Nancy; siblings spouses, Harold Ruuk, Shirley and Shearlene, 26 grandchildren; six great grandchildren. He served in the Army from June 1953 to May 1955.When he returned home, he worked for Sprowl's Lumber, Penobscot Poultry and Robbins Lumber while keeping up with his gardening, farming, haying and wood cutting. John remained busy until the last few years of his life as a member of Searsmont United Methodist Church, VFW, American Legion, Anah Shriners, Quantabacook Lodge, Grand Lodge of Maine, Valley of Rockland, Arbutus OES &and the 40/8. He enjoyed playing cards, especially his daily cribbage games with his brother David and nephews Raymond and Russell Gelo. He loved riding his motorcycle, camping, fishing, bowling, visits from "grampa's special girls" Kaylee and Alyssum, as well as trips to New Hampshire to spend time with family. There will be a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Searsmont on June 1st at 10 a.m. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Masonic Lodge following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Togus Springs, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330 where during his final hours he was provided with love, compassion and exceptional care.