LACANTO, Fla. — Roger L. Strout, 78, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Lacanto, Fla., on Monday, July 9.

He was born in Mechanic Falls, June 7, 1934, to William and Hazel (Lane) Strout. Roger attended Woodstock schools and graduated as salutatorian from Woodstock High School in 1952. He was a member of the Woodstock High baseball team when they competed in the Maine State Championship game in 1952.

Roger joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and served during the Korean War. He and his platoon were used as extras for scenes in the movie “Away All Boats” with Jeff Chandler. After he was honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to Maine, married Charlotte Schultz, and they had three children.

He was employed by Penley’s Mill in West Paris, Paris Farmers Union in South Paris and H.P. Hood and Sons of Auburn. He worked for Sanborn’s Motor Express for 35 years as a truck driver, until he retired in 1995. Because he always wore an engineer’s cap, he became commonly known as “Choo Choo” amongst his friends and co-workers.

Roger also raised and showed Appaloosa horses at Stroudwater Farm in Westbrook. His horses were shown all over New England and won many state championships. He loved watching sports, especially baseball and his beloved Red Sox. He and his son, Michael attended many games at Fenway Park.

After he retired, he worked for Community Concepts in South Paris as a driver, transporting clients to their appointments. He moved to Florida, once he fully retired, where he enjoyed growing tomatoes and cucumbers in his garden as well as doing odd jobs around his house and for many of his neighbors.

He is survived by his three children, daughter, Pamelee Strout of Eliot, son, Michael and his wife, Christa Strout, of Bristow, Va., and son, Edwin Strout of Minneapolis, Minn.; brother, Harry “Rusty” Strout of Bryant Pond; niece, Patty Howe of Bryant Pond (who he thought of as a sister); his partner, Rose Marie Olmstead of Lecanto, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Hazel Strout; sister, Francis McMillin; brothers, Edwin Strout and Delma Strout; and sister, Mina McMillin.

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