BUXTON — Donald R. Ross, 69, of Sebring, Florida, formerly of Buxton, died peacefully in Sebring surrounded by family on his birthday.

Born in Biddeford to Mary Jane and Marcel Ross, he attended Biddeford schools. A proud football player, he graduated from St. Louis High School in 1967. He also served his country as a radar man in the Navy during the Vietnam War era, and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Marrying his high-school sweetheart Carolyn Lord in 1969, he celebrated his 47th wedding anniversary in April. He was the father of three children.

Donald worked as a master electrician and nuclear instructor at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard until his retirement in 1997. Donald also served his country as a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard, retiring after 26 years of service. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 10 years in Buxton.

Donald was a master Mason, and served as master of the Masonic Lodge in Buxton as well. Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends in Maine. After relocating to Sebring in his retirement, he purchased a boat and spent days fishing with friends and watching the world go by. Donald also enjoyed biking with his wife.

An active man who liked to be involved, he and Carolyn became communicants of the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park, Florida, where Donald served as chairman of the board and was a member of the men’s group. Recently, he also became president of the Lake Haven Estates Association in Sebring.

Donald is survived by: his wife, Carolyn, of Sebring; daughters Shelley Wall and her husband Robert of Miramar, Florida, and Deborah Carr and her husband Clyde of Porter; and his son, Jonathan Ross and his partner Melissa Junkins and daughter Desiree Walls of Buxton.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 23, at the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park, Florida. A graveside service will be held in July at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.