NORTH BRIDGTON – Douglas A. Taft Sr., 79, passed away on June 18, 2023.

He was born on August 5, 1943, in the Willimantic, Conn., Hospital, the youngest son of George and Almira Taft.

He was educated in the Mansfield Connecticut School system, graduating from Edwin O. Smith High School on the Grounds of the University of Connecticut in 1961. He entered the Army in June of 1964 serving three years active and three years inactive. He was active in the Military Po-ice leaving the service as a Sergeant.

Returning to his previous place of employment Brand Rex, a Division of American Enka. He joined the Willimantic Connecticut Police Department in February of 1972 rising rapidly to the rank of Sergeant. In 1977, he joined the Bridgton Police Department rising to the rank of Sergeant, serving the department for 30 years, and finishing out his law enforcement career with the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department as a part-time Deputy and School Resource officer for two years.

He continued serving Bridgton as a selectman for five years and a member of the Bridgton Lions Club (two) times as King Lion.

Doug followed in his father’s and stepfather’s footsteps by joining the Masonic Fraternity in 2007 becoming Master of Delta Masonic Lodge #153 in Lovell and Affiliating with Oriental Lodge #13 in Bridgton. He also was a member in the Pondicherry Square Chapter of the Eastern Star.

In Masonry, he attained the following accomplishments and Grand Lodge Offices: District Education Rep., District Deputy for the 16th District, Asst. Grand Lecturer and Senior Grand Warden, Lifetime member of the New Hampshire Anniversary Lodge of Research, as well as the Maine Lodge of Research.

He was an avid lover of the outdoors, active in hunting, fishing and trapping.

He is survived by daughter Dawn Taft, son Douglas A. Taft Jr. both of Bridgton, and an adopted daughter Dayna Lea Shulack, companion Linda Mercer, and former spouse Patricia Taft.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations either to Delta Masonic Lodge Charity Fund, 920 Knights Hill Road, Lovell, ME or The Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation, Holden, ME.

A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton.

A Memorial service with public Masonic service will be held at the Oriental Lodge on Harrison Road in Bridgton on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 6 p.m. with interment to follow at North Bridgton Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com