Van Buren--- Aurele O. Doucette, 96, passed away peacefully at a nursing home on August 24, 2018. Aurele was born February 14, 1922 and was one of the last living World War II veterans in his hometown.

Aurele was born and brought up in Van Buren by Alfred and Lucie (Parent) Doucette. In 1939, he moved to southern Maine to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps and then as a shipfitter with New England Shipbuilding Corps, So. Portland.

In 1943, Aurele was drafted into the US Army during World War II. He joined troops fighting in France as an infantryman just two weeks after D-Day. As a heavy machine gunner with the Big Red One, he did his part during the Battle of the Bulge to hold the northern flank. Throughout Central Europe, Aurele also worked as a light truck driver hauling personnel, equipment and supplies to the front lines. He spent 23 months in the European Theater of Operations.

When Aurele returned to Van Buren, he married Muriel Corriveau in 1947. He then worked as a carpenter and supervisor for the Civil Service at Loring Air Force Base for 32 years, until his retirement in 1983.

Aurele was fond of carpentry and fishing. He, his father, and his three sons built the very first camp on the west side of Van Buren Cove, Long Lake, which they enjoyed for many years. He was an active member of the American Legion, Post #49 for 73 years and a 50 year 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, #1635.

Aurele will be greatly missed by his family and sincerely appreciated by all for his exemplary service to our country.

Aurele is survived by his five children, Rick and his wife Helen, Mona Dumais and her husband Skip, Greg and his wife Vie, Deb Donofrio and her husband Dean, and Russ and his wife Katie. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Nicki, Ryan, Josh, Shelli, Liza, Joey, and Donovan, and eleven great grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, Jonah, Giselle, Brynn, Syla, Velina, Addysyn, Calyn, Kelton and Kevin.

Aurele was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Muriel (Corriveau) Doucette. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his three brothers, George, Lionel, and Lawrence, and his two sisters, Cecile Pelletier and Rita Levasseur.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on September 22, 2018, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, Main St., Van Buren. Visitation will be  Saturday morning 10-10:45 AM at the church. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. www.LajoieFuneralHome.com