MIDDLEBURY — As the sun rose on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Cleon Arthur Bigelow, passed away surrounded by family at his home; he was 88 years old.

Cleon was the oldest son of Harold and Gladys (Maheu) Bigelow. Harold was the milkman for Monument Farms dairy, where Cleon started working after school at age 8 as a bottle washer. Cleon was the oldest of five children and he had an older half-brother, Gene. The family was raised in Weybridge. In 1954 he started working part-time as a hired hand at the Jackson Farm, where he met his future wife, Helen. Cleon attended Middlebury High School; he had fond memories of his Tiger football days and learning woodworking skills in shop class. Upon graduation, Cleon joined the Vermont National Guard and trained monthly as a tanker until 1964.

Cleon married Helen Jackson in November of 1957. Together they raised their family and became valued members of the Middlebury community. After leaving the Jackson farm in 1961 Cleon held several jobs, most notably working at the Palmers Plastics plant from 1964 until 1969, then developing his carpentry skills working for Dutton Smith Construction. In 1970 Cleon focused his attention and determination on starting his own business and Bigelow Building & Remodeling was created. With his tireless work ethic, he built a successful carpentry business; he remained in business until he retired from building in 1997. Part of his legacy are the many homes he built and remodeled throughout Addison County.

Cleon served as a member of Middlebury’s zoning board in1977 and 1978. He joined the Middlebury Lions Club in 1972, serving as their president in 1975, and multiple years as board member and treasurer. With the Lions, he put his construction talents to work building many handicap ramps for area residents. He also chaired the Lions eyeglass-recycling program and played a leadership role with the Lions in establishing the Eye Bank, Hearing Aid Bank, and Text Telephone program for deaf Vermonters. He spearheaded the club’s construction of the Lion’s food booth at the Addison County fairgrounds and managed its maintenance until just a few years ago. He was also a member of the American Legion since 1978.

Cleon joined the board of directors of the Addison County Field Days in 1992. He became the grounds manager at the field days site in 1997, and served as president of the Field Days board for the 2000 thru 2003 seasons. He retired from the board and as the groundskeeper in 2013.

He is survived by his three children, Cherie DeVarney (Bob) of Milton, Cindy Atkins (Jerry) of Weybridge and CDR Randall Bigelow, USN (RET) of Addison. He is also survived by his dear grandchildren, Megan (Mathew) Curran of Middlebury, Jacqueline Atkins (Nolan) of South Burlington, and Spencer McHenry (Kari Jo) of Milton. Cleon also leaves behind five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, Bernard (Ginny) and Stanton (Jan), as well as his sister Sandra Mitchell, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Jackson) Bigelow and brothers John Bigelow, and Gene Maheu.

Cleon will be remembered as a person who was always serving others; he will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life was held for both Cleon and Helen Bigelow at the Middlebury Legion on Sept. 29.

Donations in the couple’s name can be made to the Middlebury Lions Club (PO Box 5, Middlebury, VT 05753), or Neat Repeats resale shop (1426 Rt. 7S, Middlebury, VT 05753), or Addison County Home Health & Hospice (PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753). The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Addison County Home Health and Hospice for all of their assistance, support, and great care.◊