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Wendell was never a man to sit still and was never a day without employment.

New Sharon - Wendell G. Brann Sr., a lifelong New Sharon resident, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center in Portland on August 27, 2026. He was born in New Sharon, Maine, on September 29, 1935, to Lester and Eva Brann.

He was a graduate of New Sharon High School, Class of 1953. Wendell joined the United States Army in October of that same year. The decision to join the Army began a chapter of service he was proud of throughout his life. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and spent the remainder of his service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

On June 12, 1955, Wendell married his high school sweetheart, Helen Collins. Together they built a life and family in New Sharon that spanned more than seven decades.

Wendell was never a man to sit still and was never a day without employment. After returning home from the Army, he worked for International Paper and in road construction for A.P. Wyman and Frank Rossi & Sons. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and Assistant Fire Chief with the New Sharon Fire Department. In 1967, he began what would become a 30-year career maintaining the winter roads of New Sharon. As the town’s snowplow contractor, Wendell worked tirelessly through Maine’s long winters, plowing snow and keeping the roads open for his neighbors until his retirement in 1997. Between storms, he could often be found working in the woods.

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His family was his greatest source of pride, and he will be remembered for his hard work, determination, humor, competitive spirit, and the many stories that will be told about him for years to come.

Retirement brought Wendell and Helen a new adventure. For 23 years, they spent their winters in Florida, where Wendell enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing horseshoes, shuffleboard and golf—and, of course, proudly adding a “hole in one” to his accomplishments. It was also in Florida that Wendell and Helen formed a treasured friendship with Bill and Patty, who became very special friends and an important part of their lives.

Wendell had many passions. He owned several teams of draft horses and was proud to be involved with the Maine Draft Horse & Ox Association, where he served as vice president. He was also a lifelong member of Franklin Masonic Lodge 123. He loved the outdoors, working with horses, and staying busy. Wendell had an unmatched horseshoe game. He was fiercely competitive and you could find him every Tuesday at the pits with great friends.

Above all, Wendell was a family man. He was a loving husband, father, Papa, and friend. His family was his greatest source of pride, and he will be remembered for his hard work, determination, humor, competitive spirit, and the many stories that will be told about him for years to come.

Wendell was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen; daughter, Karen Folsom; his sister, Vernie Heald; and his brothers-in-law, Lloyd Heald, David Ames, and Gary Day.

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Wendell enjoyed riding his bicycle, playing horseshoes, shuffleboard and golf—and, of course, proudly adding a 'hole in one' to his accomplishments.

He is survived by his children, Wendell Brann Jr. of Rocky Mount, Virginia; Kevin Brann and his wife, Bonnie, of New Sharon; Kim Murray and her husband, Rick, of New Sharon; and Heather Walker and her husband, Art, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and a special daughter-in-law, Melody Brann of Winslow. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Joyce Day and Helen Ames. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with another soon to arrive, who will forever know him as their loving Papa.

The family would like to thank Wendell’s care team at Maine Medical Center, with a special thank-you to MICU nurses Fran and Andrew, for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider purchasing a 3-by-5-foot United States flag for the Town of New Sharon in Wendell’s memory.

Wendell leaves behind a lifetime of hard work, laughter, competition, friendship, and family. He lived life on his own terms, stayed busy right up until his last days, and never lost his love of a good game, a good story, or a chance to spend time with the people he loved.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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He lived life on his own terms, stayed busy right up until his last days, and never lost his love of a good game, a good story, or a chance to spend time with the people he loved.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:30 pm, located at Franklin Lodge #123, 46 Mercer Rd., New Sharon. A graveside service will follow at the New Sharon Village Cemetery starting at 3:30 pm. 

Arrangements are under the care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.dsfuneral.com