STRONG — Richard Eugene Caton III, age 52, of Strong, died peacefully surrounded by family on July 18, 2010 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. He died of complications due to leukemia.

He was born October 14, 1957 in Farmington. He attended the Phillips school and graduated from Mt. Abram High School class of 1975 in which he served as class president. He married the love of his life Melinda Ladd of Strong in 1977. He graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta where he received an AS in Criminal Justice and a BS in Public Administration in 1980. He graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy 36th MCBPS in March 1980.

Richard was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy in 1975. In 1980, he went on to be a police officer for the Farmington Police Department. He was promoted in 1989 to Detective Sergeant and then to Lieutenant in 1995. From 1998 until his death, Richard was the Police Chief for the Town of Farmington after temporarily serving as an acting police chief and interim town manager.

Richard was involved with many organizations including: Boy Scouts Troop #592, BPO Elks Lodge #2430, Lions Club, Blue Mountain Masonic Lodge #67, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor, Maine Chiefs of Police Assn., International Chiefs of Police Assn., Maine Judicial Branch Domestic Violence Advisory Committee, Criminal Justice Information Systems Committee, Board of Direct ors for Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services, and Board of Directors of Evergreen Behavioral Services.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda of Strong; along with his children, Cassandra Smith and her husband, Matthew, of Auburn, Richard Caton IV and his wife, Sarah, of Wilton, and Brock Caton and his wife, Nissa, of Farmington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, Kaden, Amara and Reid; parents, Richard Jr. and Kathleen Hoover Caton of Avon; paternal grandmother, Edith Caton of Phillips; siblings, Carolee MacVane and husband, David, of Kennebunk, Nicholas Caton of Phillips, and Heidi Decker and husband, Joseph, of Chesterville; as well as an aunt, uncle and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved to landscape with his Kubota. Some of his best times were spent bird hunting with his wife, Melinda, and dog, Dakota, as well as laughing and playing with his children and grandchildren. He loved to read and go to rock concerts. Richard was the Rolling Stones’ greatest fan. His favorite place besides home was at his family camp on the Sandy River Ponds.

Full Honorary Police Services was held Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Mt. Abram High School in Salem, with Reverend Raymond Bradley officiating.

Masonic Services were held by Blue Mountain Masonic Lodge #67 on the same date.

In lieu of flowers, friends may send donations to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Team Blue Heat, 153 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, Maine 04938.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service in Skowhegan.