Augusta- Paul Stanley Blethen, 84, husband of Patricia Skonberg Blethen, passed away Jan., 3, 2011. He was born June 24, 1926, son of James Lyman Blethen and Ora Grace Dunton Blethen of Bangor.After graduating from Bangor High School in 1944, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the military police, before being assigned to the Intelligence-Security Division. In 1952 Paul was accepted into the Maine State Police. In 1955 he served as one of Gov. Muskie's escort drivers. As a sergeant he served as a communications supervisor at the M.S.P. Headquarters and taught at the Criminal Justice Academy. After serving at the Maine State Police, he held a security position at the Portland Jetport, Statler Tissue and Central Maine Power Company. Following that he worked 12 years for Kennebec Pharmacy delivering Nuclear Medicine to Hospitals throughout Maine.In 1971, Paul met and married Patty and they shared the happiest 39 years of his life. Paul was very devoted to his wife, and her five children. He especially enjoyed dancing, playing cards, traveling to Florida and spending time with their children and their families. Paul loved to tell stories of the time he spent in his youth with his special grandparents, John (Bampy) and Clara (Marmie) Dunton of Hampden at the farm and blacksmith shop.In addition to his wife Patty, Paul is survived by his daughters, Linda Blethen Smith and husband Alan of Dover Foxcroft, Vicki Blethen Crommett and husband Craig of Fairfield, step childen Deborah Champagne of Augusta, Donna Nixon of Florida, David Nixon of Augusta, Brenda Whitney and husband Peter of Augusta, Brad Nixon and wife Wanda of Windsor, grandchildren, Christopher Brawn, Katie Bucklin and Jennifer Fiandaca, Jessica Storey, Ryan Smith, Steve Smith, Adam Hendsbee, Cassie Nixon, Jake Kelley, Shawn Kelley, eight great grandchildren, sister and brother in law Bette and Al Seymour, best friend Bruno, and the gang at American Legion Post #2.At Paul's request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring with location and date announced for friends and family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.staplesfuneralhome.comOur deepest appreciation goes to our family for their love and support and to the MaineGeneral Critical Care Unit doctors and nurses for their wonderful care and support. Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home Gardiner