C. PAUL MULLEN
EASTON

Easton - C. Paul Mullen, life long resident of Easton, Maine, began his next journey on June 24, 2016 with his family at his side. Born August 12, 1922 to Lydia (Smith) and Clinton Mullen.

Paul attended school and graduated from Easton High School in 1941. He served his country in the Army during WWII in the 860th Chemical Company Air Operations from 1942 until his discharge in 1946. Upon his return home to Aroostook County, he joined his family in farming. It was also in 1946 that he met his future wife, Arlene Small, and they began their married life together in 1949. They raised their only daughter, Emily and quietly mourned the loss of their infant son, Cameron. For a good portion of his working life, Paul owned and operated Easton Oil Company. Paul often said that despite some hard times, he had a lot of good luck throughout his life. While sometimes quiet and private, many will remember Paul as being talkative and quick witted. Paul was an active member of the Easton American Legion, Easton Lion’s Club and according to friends was a “Master” bean-hole bean maker. Paul was also involved with the Maine Breeder’s Association and the U.S. Trotting Association. For over 50 years Paul’s free time was most often consumed by his passion for horses. He and his father bought their first racehorse, Ada May Spirit. In 1962 and from there, his personal legacy began. Paul raised Standard Bred horses and was involved with every aspect of horse racing, including breeding, training, shoeing, and driving. Racing enthusiasts will recognize Paul’s West Ridge line of horses of which he was so very proud. His granddaughters remember his quiet yet excited concern with the birth of new foals and his devotion to the health and vitality of his horses as he retired his mares to his own barn and pastures. He also proudly displayed trophies, pictures and videos of his racing winners like West Ridge Gossip, West Ridge Alberta, and West Ridge No Gossip to anyone willing to look and listen. As Paul got older he turned over most racing responsibilities to trusted friends, but he never lost his interest in racing and followed the careers of Maine horses and drivers on the internet. Paul was a kind, patient and generous husband, dad and grampy. He was known to paint granddaughters’ fingernails in the morning and then enlist their help in the barn in the afternoon. He encouraged us, verbally and financially, to pursue education and he continually stressed the importance of a strong work ethic. He taught both granddaughters math skills by first teaching them to play cribbage and then instilled the importance of managing their money.

Along with his parents, Paul was predeceased by his infant son, Cameron, his sister Evelyn Wilson, and his brothers Arnold, Earlon and Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arlene of Easton, daughter Emily Knight, granddaughters Tara Matthews and husband Michael and their children, Molly and Cameron; Shannon Knight and Kris Matthews and his children, Alex and Jaelyn all of Trescott. He also leaves, a special niece, Suzanne Adams, of Easton with whom he shared many of the same attributes. Paul was fortunate to have pocket of friends and neighbors who provided support and company throughout the years. Paul and his family have also felt the comfort and support of the Full Circle medical staff especially Holly with whom he shared a special bond.

In following Paul's wishes there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in his name to the Easton School Department's Athletic Program, 173 Center Road, Easton, Maine 04740. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com