Jonas D. Worthen Obituary (1945 - 2018)

MERCER - Born April 18, 1945 to George & Pansie Worthen. Lifetime dairy farmer, devoted husband, loving father. Died December 22, 2018 from pancreatic cancer. Jonas graduated in 1963 from the old Skowhegan Area High School, was on the planning committee for all the recent reunion events, and hosted the “70-In-The-Park” communal birthday party at Coburn Park, Skowhegan. Caring for his cows and farm, Jonas milked holstein cows for 55 years. He retired milking in Sept. 2016 and began raising Angus calves. Jonas was an accomplished builder, electrician, plumber, and mechanic. He built the “Cabot” pole barn after graduation, and the new milking parlor and milk room in 1967. Together, Jonas and his wife Mellori built the steel barn out back. Throughout the years, Jonas selectively cut wood from his forests, mowed his hayfields, and fenced his pastures, using those trees for barns, fences and firewood. In 1963, Jonas became sexton of the East Mercer Cemetery, meticulously digging graves and grooming lots, never retiring. In 1998, Jonas finally met his soulmate/neighbor, Mellori Dwyer. Two years later, they married and soon after, Jonas fathered his wonderful son Andrew George. Jonas taught Andy all the farming ways from livestock to milking to fencing to eventually driving the tractors. Jonas and Andrew had an amazing relationship. Best friends and companions, Jonas and Andy milked and did barn chores together for many years. As a husband, Jonas was the most compassionate, loving husband, helping “Lori” become an accomplished wife and mother. Encouraging her to pursue her music dreams, Jonas bought Mellori her first orchestra harp as a Christmas/Birthday present. Together, the Worthen family traveled the state of Maine while she played for weddings and events. As a tight-knit family, the three of them fixed and repaired the old farm houses, tended chickens, gardened, repaired fences, and finally fought hard against the cancer that eventually took Jonas from us. Jonas fought so hard, enduring many medical treatments and trials, never complaining. As a patient, he was every doctor and nurse’s dream; funny, kind, and always thanking everyone for their help, however small or large. Jonas is survived by his wife Mellori and his son Andrew. He is predeceased by his eldest brother Vernon, and his mother and father, Pansie and George. Jonas requested that he be cremated, so that the cancer inside him would be eradicated. A celebration of his life will be announced after this holiday season. All are welcome. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan, Maine.