Leon D. Humiston Jr.

1939-2026

SCARBOROUGH--Leon Duval Humiston, Jr., was born at Maine Eye and Ear Hospital on October 24th, 1939, in Portland, Maine to Leon D. Humiston, Sr., and Nina A. Humiston (Peaslee). He grew up in South Portland near Willard Beach, one of his most beloved places. He was a proud member of the Class of 1958 South Portland High School.

He served in the 703rd AAA Bn as a gun loader on 90 MM guns from 1953 to 1955. Joined the regular Air Force on his 17th birthday in 1956 and was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB until 1962. After a year at home, he became an instructor teaching ceramics, metal craft, and leather work at the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, until his move to California in 1965.

In California, he moved through different financial companies starting as a collection manager in a finance company, to manager of a Thrift and Loan and on to a major bank as an AVP. From there, he had his own company training finance managers in automobile dealerships from Canada to the Mexican border and over most of the Southwest. He was with the California ANG for 20 years.

While in California, one of the most important events of his life was when he was befriended by, and became the archivist and friend of, the Vietnam War POWs. They honored him with the title of “Keeper of the Flame” and made him an extremely rare non-POW member of their exclusive fraternity of brothers which included Ross Perot.

After 50 years, it was time to come home, and he did it with a bang by marrying his “Mighty Moe” Maureen who gave him 20 great years together until her passing in 2026. He is pre-deceased by his brother Chadwick, and his sisters Leona Johnson and Judy Spivey. He is survived by his twin sister Louise, brothers Leon H. Humiston and Larry Humiston, sisters Linda Tracy and Lana Raub, six children - Chris Humiston, Shawn Humiston, Danielle Aguilar, Christina Turner, Rachel Humiston, and Eileen Morabito along with his wonderful and accomplished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many truly great friends, and especially Peter Kane, who with him, will always be known as “Damon and Pythias” from Greek mythology. A story well worth looking up…

His finest personal achievement and lasting legacy is founding and establishing the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center in South Portland, Maine, where it has become known as one of the finest small military museums in the world. Visitors include every nation in Europe, most Pacific nations, and even as far away as Uzbekistan.

Burial will be private. A Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Maine Military Museum, South Portland. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center https://mainemilitarymuseum.org