Obit: Arthur I. Badger Sr. ... grew up in Milton

 Arthur I. Badger Sr., 85, of Lebanon, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, with his family by his side.

He was born in Madbury, N.H., on Nov. 9, 1927, to Charles and Hattie (Baird) Badger. He grew up in Milton where he attended local schools. He left school before graduating and enlisted in the Merchant Marines where he served for a short time before enlisting in the Army Air Corps, proudly serving his country during World War II.

Arthur eventually returned to school to finish his education. He received his high school diploma from Sanford Adult Education in 1981 at the age of 54. In 1947 he married Jeannette Dionne and together they shared 66 years of marriage. After leaving the military he worked for a short time for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He worked several other jobs before partnering with his son Mark to form Badger Builders general contracting company which they owned and operated together for many years until he retired at the age of 62.

He enjoyed planting and tending to flower and vegetable gardens around his home. He also enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his sons and grandchildren. He made spending time with his family a priority and made it a point to attend all of his grandchildren’s academic and athletic events. He was a devoted journalist and kept detailed records of the daily events in his life from the time that he retired. He and his wife were very active in the nursing home ministry and had volunteered for 11 years at the Riverside Rest Home in Dover.

He had been involved in local government as a former member of the Lebanon planning board, the budget committee and the Lebanon Republican Committee. He was also a member of the Milton Assembly of God Church. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Arthur was predeceased by a son, Gary Badger and by three brothers, David, Robert and Charles Badger.

Surviving are his wife, Jeannette Badger of Lebanon; six children, Arthur “Butch” Badger, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Lebanon, Elaine St. Laurent of Springvale, Mark Badger and his wife Debbie of Lebanon, Jeffrey Badger and his wife Jeanne of Lebanon, Kevin Badger and his wife Charlene of Lebanon and Michael Badger and his wife Mellissa of Lebanon; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol Gilman and her husband Ronald of Lebanon and Ruth Morris of New Durham, New Hampshire and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 27th at the Milton Assembly of God Church located at 370 White Mountain Highway in Milton, New Hampshire.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. McGuckin and his staff as well as the staff of Beacon Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Arthur and his family during his illness.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Riverside Rest Home Activities Fund, 276 County Farm Road, Dover, New Hampshire 03820.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.