Avon - David Anderson, 81, passed away on February 24, 2026, with his daughter, Tammy and his great-niece, Melissa, whom he loved like a daughter, by his side. Born on December 26, 1944, David spent his early years in Connecticut before moving to Maine in his 30s — a place that quickly became his true home. Once he settled there, he never looked back. David proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He saw combat and was wounded in action, earning the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. His service also earned him the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and multiple weapons qualification badges, including Expert and Sharpshooter distinctions. He was deeply proud of his military service and even prouder to be an American citizen — something he never took for granted. Over the years, David held many jobs, but at heart he was a true craftsman. He loved building miniature houses and eventually constructed his own small home, affectionately known as "The Shack." He was happiest creating something with his hands and figuring things out for himself. He valued his privacy, yet he was always making the rounds to visit family and friends. Fiercely independent and famously stubborn, David lived life on his own terms. He had a sharp sense of humor and was incredibly generous with his time and help. If something needed fixing, building, or figuring things out, he showed up. He loved children and had a natural gift for connecting with them. Children loved him right back. He shared an especially close and meaningful bond with his great-great-nephew, Atlas, age 7, a friendship that was rare, genuine, and deeply special. David collected rocks — reds he called "bloodstones" and purples as a promise kept to his sister, Beverly. Family members joked he may have single-handedly stripped the Sandy River of most of them. He enjoyed gold panning, "junking" in second-hand shops in search of hidden treasure, and gambling. Sometimes he beat the house; sometimes the house beat him. Either way, it was a game he never tired of playing. David is survived by his siblings, Bruce, Mary, and Linda; his daughter, Tammy and his son in law, Richie; his son, Tommy; his beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Nicole, and RJ; and countless nieces and nephews. David leaves behind a legacy of independence, craftsmanship, humor, deep patriotism, and a life lived entirely on his own terms. Bonfires were his favorite place to be. When you gather around one, think of him, share a story, and keep the fire burning. Public visiting hours will be held on April 11th from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd, Farmington, ME 04938. Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.dsfuneral.com