Mars Hill, Maine - Born on August 14, 1931, the oldest of Frank and Ruth Mahan Sr., Frank "Sam" Mahan Jr. of Mars Hill, ME, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, in Presque Isle, after a brief stay at The Aroostook House of Comfort.

He married Dawn Gallupe Mahan on August 24, 1951. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, and their beloved youngest child, Stacey. He is survived by their children: son, Rodney Mahan and his wife, Dawn, daughter, Julie Foster, daughter, Molly Shaw and her husband, Reginald, daughter, Nancy Downing and her husband, Bob, daughter Bethany St. Pierre and her husband, Steve, daughter, Tammy Dempster and her husband, Todd, son, Glenney Mahan and his girlfriend, Brooke Sperrey of Mars Hill; their daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Mahan) Merrill; their grandchildren, Danielle Foster, Carrie Hafford, Tara Foster, Jason Maillett, Jessica Grass, Brady Mahan, Brandy Cronin, Amy Gillen, Pippin Smith, Natasha Brewer, Felicia Shaw-Dyer, Joseph Downing, Tyler St. Pierre, TJ Dempster, Cooper Mahan, Addison Mahan, Maggie Mahan, Conner Mahan, Lillie Mahan, and Sam Mahan; their 34 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; as well as his youngest brother, Wallace Mahan.

How do you write something about a true legend, Frank C. Mahan, a.k.a. "Sam"? He was born in 1931 on the backside of the mountain. He was the oldest son of Frank and Ruth Mahan. He grew up working on the farm, but he was not meant to be a farmer. Sam met the love of his life, Dawn, in 1951. They were married and had eight children. He had a few jobs in between until he started driving a truck; which is when he knew he was meant to be a truck driver. He spent time driving for various companies, and often mentioned Maine Sugar, Harold Fletcher, and Fred Vaulsing. He even had his own truck at one point, but in 1971 he began his career with Maine Potato Growers, where he drove until he retired. During his "retirement," he drove locally for M. E. Grass and Sons, The Grass Boys, and JDR Trucking hauling to Frito Lay. He ended his career shuttling trucks for Whited Peterbilt where I was blessed with the opportunity of working with Dad for many years. He finally truly retired in his 90s; a feat few people can say they have done. Dad would often say he backed up more miles than most people drove ahead.

Dad also spent many years in local government taking on the name of the "Mayor" of Mars Hill. Many people looked at him for advice. We know he had some strong political views, so many people enjoyed the back-and-forth banter with him. However, his biggest love was for all his grandchildren whom he cared for dearly; he never said no, and he was always one phone call away. There will be a huge void left in our small town of Mars Hill. He will be sadly missed by so many who enjoyed visiting with him at the gas station, seeing him at Al's in the morning, watching him drive by their houses while he was taking his morning ride around the mountain - he was loved by all, and known as "Grampie Frank" to so many, even if they were not related. Everywhere he went, he always knew someone. He was not only dad; he was a best friend, a mentor, and so much more to all of his kids. We are going to miss you, Dad, but we know you are with Mom, and that eases the pain. Rest in peace, Dad.

We are planning to celebrate our father's life in the spring at a graveside service and burial with a reception to follow at Wade McCrum's on June 28th, time will be announced closer to the date. Donations in Frank "Sam" Mahan's memory may be made to The Aroostook House of Comfort, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill, ME 04758. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: duncan-graves.com.