St. Francis, Maine - Berton L. Taggette, 76, peacefully passed away November 1, 2025, at his home with his family at his side, following a short illness. He was born January 4, 1949, in St. Francis, a son of the late Roy and Alphena (Michaud) Taggette.

He enlisted with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in Vietnam as a Specialist 5 petroleum operator for their avionics operations. He received the Bronze Star, before accepting his honorable discharge in 1969. He returned to the St. John Valley where he took to working in the woods. He last worked for Maibec Logging operations as a foreman for more than 25 years, before his retirement in 2009. Berton was a life member of the DAV in Caribou, the American Legion Post #180, St. Francis, and Vietnam Veterans of America, formerly of Madawaska. Berton loved the outdoors and took full advantage of the many woods and waters in the Valley by fishing, camping, boating and hunting. He always had his country music playing at home, much to the delight of his visiting children and favorite granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Deborah (Fairbrother) Taggette of St. Francis; two children, Angela Coulombe and her husband, Gary, of Wallagrass, and Chad Taggett of St. Francis; one granddaughter, Taylor; five siblings, Theresa Johnson and her husband, Tom, of Presque Isle, Leola Jandreau of St. Francis, Mona Collins of Connecticut, Letha Hamilton and her husband, Charles, of Yarmouth, and Sherman Taggette and his wife, Penny, of No. Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Berton was predeceased by siblings, Roy Jr., Earl, Vaughn, Vinal, Merrill and Charles "Ivan" Taggette, Maureen Taggette, and Agnes McNeal.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. Charles Catholic Church, St. Francis, with military honors. Interment will be in Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou, In lieu of flowers, donations in Berton's name may be made to: Northern Light Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 867, Presque Isle, ME 04769, American Legion Post# 180, 1082 Main St., St. Francis, ME 04774, or Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 312, Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home, 14 E. Main St., Fort Kent. To share condolences online, please visit LajoieFuneralHome.com.