1946 - 2023 West Gardiner--Frederick L. Pushard, Jr. passed away at home December 17, 2023. He was born February 18, 1946, in Gardiner, Maine the son of Frederick L. Pushard, Sr. and Grace (Moody) Christie. Fred graduated in 1966 from Gardiner Area High School. He enlisted in the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam. Fred was a good guy and always wanted to do the right thing. He married the love of his life, Linda (Trask) Pushard. Fred and Linda were married for 55 years and had a beautiful, loving life together. Fred was a proud member of The American Legion and Elks Club. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of West Gardiner. He loved God and knew where he was going when he passed. Fred shared the word of God whenever he had a chance. He loved his family, God, and country. Fred was predeceased by his mother, Grace Christie and husband Alfred Christie; Cora Pushard, Clarence McKenzie, Corena Anderson and Kenneth Trask. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Pushard; 2 sons Peter Pushard and his wife Dawn Pushard of Litchfield and Jamie Pushard and his wife Chrissy Pushard of Pittston; his father Frederick L. Pushard, Sr.; sisters Dolores McKenzie of Gardiner, Fredericka Shorey of Richmond; brothers Warren (Tiger) Pushard of Auburn and Dana Pushard of Gray; sister-in-law Cindy Merry; grandson Anthony Pushard of Litchfield; 3 great grand kids Braelyn and Avalyn Pushard and Elijah Pushard; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thanks goes to Anthony Pushard and Hospice for the end-of-life care. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 29th, from 3-6 pm, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A military burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3rd, at noontime at the Central Maine Veterans' Cemetery Chapel, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com