Van Buren--- Frank "Dee" Tilley passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021 at Caribou healthcare facility. He was born November 24, 1934, in Van Buren, the youngest child of the late Delmont and Alexandrine (Michaud) Tilley.

Frank attended Van Buren High School, enlisted in the US Navy, and received his honorable discharge in 1955, with the rank of IC3.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lorette (Lamore) Tilley, whom he met while attending Fort Kent College. Together they raised four children, Bruce Tilley, of Stateline, Nevada, Scott Tilley and his husband Drew Brammer of Washington, DC, Robyn Gray and her husband Tim of Presque Isle, and Tracey Tilley and her husband Johnny Rose of Amado, Arizona. He also leaves behind 3 grandsons, 6 great grandkids, many nieces and nephews, and a host of special friends too numerous to mention.

Frank retired from US Customs in 1988, and then spent time doing what he loved best, working on his woodlot, harvesting the many cords of wood it took to keep the house warm. Combining that with weekly trips to the Legion, where he would shoot pool with Skip, he was content in his simple life.

Anyone who knew Frank knew he loved the outdoors, gathering firewood, riding dirt roads, swimming in the river, walking the fields with his dogs and sitting by the fire with his family. Frank's love of firearms and turkey shoots, as well as state and national handgun competitions was well known, both in the county and downstate as well where he brought home many a trophy and made many a friend along the way. He would want you to know that he is now walking in his beloved woods with the sun on his shoulders and eating berries, happy to be free and on his way to meet Lorette.

Funeral services will be held privately by Frank's family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's name may be made to your local American Legion Chapter, to help support veterans and their local communities. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren.