Readfield - Rex Miller Luce, 85, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at his home in Readfield. He was born in Bath on June 9, 1921, the eldest of five children born to Linwood N. and Edna M. Luce. Mr. Luce grew up on the family farm in East Readfield. He attended Readfield schools and was a graduate of Kents Hill School. He was drafted in the Army at the onset of World War II. Mr. Luce served in C Battery, 498 Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 13th Armored (Black Cat) Division, Third Army under the command of General George S. Patton. His Army experiences took him through France and into Germany where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Over the course of his working life, Mr. Luce was a farmer, a supervisor of the spinning room at Albany Felt in Monmouth, and a substitute mail carrier for Readfield. Mr. Luce worked for a short time in a saw mill at Readfield Depot then became the maintenance man for the Readfield Elementary School. In 1965 Mr. Luce became employed at Saunders Manufacturing Company in Readfield where he remained until his retirement in 1983. He had been a member of the Readfield Grange #217, and Lafayette Masonic Lodge. He was a life member of the Readfield Historical Society. Mr. Luce married Audrey Look of Columbia Falls, Maine on August 11, 1951. They made their home in the Readfield and Mount Vernon area. Mr. Luce was known for his quiet demeanor and selfless caring for family and neighbors. He was a gifted and creative repair man and carpenter. Mr. Luce loved spending time ?over on the woods?, the original Luce family farm which has been in the family since before the town of Readfield was incorporated. He and Audrey have lived on that property for the last 15 years. During that time Mr. Luce enjoyed feeding the raccoons, deer, and turkeys; driving his beloved 1939 red Farmall tractor and cutting wood on the property. In the last few years he became an avid Red Sox fan, rarely missing a televised game. Mr. Luce was a devoted father. Ronda, Jim and Patty will tell you that while Dad was quiet when this gentle man spoke, you needed to listen. As Grampa Luce, he took great pride in seeing Brandon working at Mr. Market. He glowed over Jeremy?s recent success in getting his driver?s license and loved to listen to Travis tell about his baseball games. Mr. Luce?s wife and children wish to express their gratitude to the HealthReach Network HomeCare and Hospice staff for their caring and support during this time of need. A special thank you is extended to ?Third Daughter? Lynn Mace and her husband William for the personal care and support they have so willingly provided as neighbors to Mr. and Mrs. Luce over the past 15 years. Mr. Luce was predeceased by his parents, sisters Marion ?Mickey? and Joyce ?Faye?, and an infant son Joseph. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Audrey of Readfield; son James Luce and his wife Davene and their three sons; Brandon, Jeremy and Travis of Winthrop; daughters Ronda F. Luce MD and her husband Nathan of Bremerton, Washington, and Patricia Pratt and her husband Michael of Ormond Beach, Fl.. Other family survivors include a sister Caroline Small of Londonberry, NH; a brother Harlan V. Luce of Seguin, Washington; Brothers-in-law Sterling D. Crowe of Pembroke and Thomas Adell of Augusta; several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no public visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Monday September 11, at the Jesse Lee Church in East Readfield, with the Reverend Karen Munson officiating. Burial will follow at the East Readfield Cemetery, located directly across the street from the church. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Readfield Historical Society, PO Box 354, Readfield 04344 or to HealtReach Hospice, MaineGeneral Health, Office of Philanthropy, PO Box 828, Waterville 04903 Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop 04364.