WELLS – John Maynard Trafton, 80, a longtime resident of Wells and active community member, passed away Saturday evening, March 5, 2022, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following complications from a surgical procedure.

John was born July 11, 1941, in Burlington, Vt., the son of George Maynard and Bernette Stair Trafton. Moving to Wells as a young boy, he attended schools in Wells, and was a graduate of Wells High School, where he was a member of many sports teams. He then attended Nasson College, graduating in 1964 with a degree in business.

John was a member of the Maine National Guard, serving for six years and attaining the rank of Sergeant at the time of his discharge.

He worked briefly at Saco Lowell Shop in Biddeford from 1965 to ’67, and then purchased the family campground, Ocean View Campground, from his parents, in 1967. He continued to build the business for 40 years, serving many family vacationers returning to Wells before retiring in 2007.

Active in the community, John was a longtime member of the Wells Congregational Church, a member of the Wells Corner Hose Company, served as a Selectman from 1971 to 1983, member of the Wells Chamber of Commerce, serving as a director for nine years, and served on the Wells High School Building committee in 1982.

John was predeceased by two sisters, Frances Thyng in 2007 and Charlotte Baer in 1984.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Gilman Trafton of Wells; his children Scott M. Trafton of Bennington, Vt., Sherri J. Trafton of Manchester, Vt., and Todd W. Trafton of Wells, stepchildren include Micah Havens and Seth Havens, both of Wells; and five grandchildren, Layne, Liah, Evie, John II, and Abbie.

Visiting hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19 at Wells Congregational Church, Post Road, Wells. Attendees are kindly asked to wear masks inside both buildings. Interment will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence please visit John’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd. Wells, ME 04090. http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Should friends desire,

memorial contributions may be made to:

Safe Haven

Humane Society

P.O. Box 91

Wells ME 04090 or to:

St. Jude’s Children’s

Research Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Pl,

Memphis, TN 38105

Copy the Story Link