Donald Miller

Donald E. Miller, “The Candy Man,” 92, of Bridgton and formerly of Durham, passed away at Bridgton Health Care Center on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014.

He was born Feb. 11, 1922, in Durham to Edward and Flora Kelsey Miller. His siblings were Samuel Miller, Eunice Anderson and Dorothea Miller. Donald grew up in Durham and attended Lisbon High School.

During his earlier years of employment he worked for A&P Groceries, the mill in Lisbon Falls, learning carpentry and using it in remodeling and building his home. Later, Don “The Candy Man” operated a great business out of his home, “Don’s Candy Corner,” which he opened in 1951 selling his homemade chocolate, jellies, and jams for over 63 years and expanded in 1991 with Wee Gift Shop after he married Gertrude. This gave Don the freedom to vendor at several Maine state fairs and craft fairs, setting up his candies, cotton candy, snow cones all over New England and several local campgrounds for 35 years.

Don loved to travel with his loved ones all over the world, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Europe and other countries and states. He visited his favorite destination, Hawaii, several times.

He married his first wife, Edith Macalaster, on Sept. 5, 1948 at Shiloh Chapel in Durham. They had two children, David and Dawn.

After Edith’s death in March 1985, he married on Dec. 29, 1990 a fellow crafter, Gertrude Jean from New Gloucester, whom he and Edith had known for years.

Donald is survived by his wife, Gertrude Jean Miller; his two children, David Miller of Sabattus and Dawn Johnson of Bow, N.H.; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sister, Eunice Anderson; and extended family, Schwalms and Thurlows.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Edith Miller; his brother, Samuel Miller; sister, Dorothea; and a great-grandson.

Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services were held, Wednesday, Oct. 8 at noon at Chandler Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton with Pastor Ron Parker officiating. Burial service followed at West Lovell Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chandlerfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St., Bridgton, ME 04009.