THEODORE ADKINS MAYVILLE SOUTH BURLINGTON - Theodore A. "Ted" Mayville, 91, died peacefully on March 9, 2014. Ted was lovingly embraced by his family as he passed from this life. Ted was born in Milton on Feb. 24, 1923, the youngest son of the late Frank and Marion (Adkins) Mayville. Ted graduated from Milton High School in 1941. He proudly served his country during W.W.II. On June 9, 1943, at age 20, he was drafted and inducted into the US Army. He spent basic training on Cape Cod and was later assigned to an anti-aircraft unit. Ted was made Corporal and was soon a range setter leading a gun crew. He was reassigned to the infantry and was sent for training in Louisiana for 11 weeks of training in swamps and crawling under live ammo. Ted's unit shipped out of Boston on Feb. 10, 1945, at that time, on the nation's largest cruise-ship, which was converted to a troop ship - the USS America. Ted was assigned to serve under General George Patton's 3rd Army, 5th Infantry Division, which was working with the 4th Armored Division. During his service to his country, Ted traveled through several countries including Scotland, England, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Austria. He was honorably discharged from the Army in February 1946. After working for a short stint at the Milton Creamery, Ted realized that wasn't for him. He then began working for Russell Sweeney delivering fuel oil, where he worked full time from 1946 to 1955. In 1955, while still working part time for R.L. Sweeney, Ted began his award-winning career driving gasoline tankers for Texaco Oil Inc., until his retirement in 1978. During his time driving for Texaco, Ted earned the prestigious "One Million Mile Award" acknowledging his 23-year safe driving record with Texaco. After retiring from Texaco, Ted worked for a small Burlington company as a manager of a gas station and fuel oil delivery service. Ted finally retired at age 62 to spend time with friends and family. A charter member of the American Legion Post 57 in Milton, he also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 782 in Burlington for over 30 years. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Marjorie Wilson Lahue Mayville of South Burlington; daughter, Valerie Gray and husband, Robert, of Fairfax; son, Michael Mayville and wife, Kathy, of Colchester; grandchildren, Lorrie Bendl of Columbus, Mich., Tessa Irish and husband, William, of Sheldon, Heather Mannings of Georgia, and Amber Mayville of Merrimack, N.H.; great-grandchildren, Chelsea Staples, Thomas Desilets, Brian Audette Jr., Jordan Martell and Nicolas Desranleau; and great-great-granddaughter, Raelyn Staples. Ted is also survived by his very close, extended family, Warren and Mary Lahue and their children, Jason and Reagan; Kevin and Kristin Lahue and their children, Blake, Tylor, Alex and Brendan; and special friend and stepson-in-law, Cliff Perry and late wife, Mary Lahue Perry. He was predeceased by his siblings, Arthur, Allen and Betty; and first wife and mother of his children, Virginia W. Mayville. A very special thank you to Kristin Lahue, who held a special place in Ted's heart as she provided years of daily care, comfort and loving kindness to him. Kristin devoted many hours caring for Ted, providing him with company, conversation and assisting with his medical needs. Special thanks also go to Ted's family physician, Dr. Donald Miller Jr. This doctor-patient friendship lasted over 40 years as Ted followed Dr. Miller from his practice in Milton to Cambridge, trusting him and the quality care and guidance he always provided. Dr. Miller was a great source of comfort to Ted and his family. His genuine compassion will never be forgotten. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton. A funeral service with military honors will be held on Friday, March 14, 2014, at 11 a.m. in the Minor Funeral Home, with the Reverend Jeffrey Cornwell officiating. Burial will take place later in the spring in the Milton Village Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at
www.minorfh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to South Hero Rescue, PO Box 365, South Hero, VT 05486.
