Lewiston veteran Koss gets grand parade for 92nd birthday

PHOTO: A screen shot from the Lionel Koss birthday parade video

LEWISTON — Lionel “Lee” Koss celebrated his 92nd birthday among family and friends alongside a grand parade that traversed East Avenue of Lewiston on Saturday June 20.
Laurie Sidelinger, board chair for Honor Flight Maine organized the parade event with Koss’s granddaughter, Marcie Koss Bryant, to honor him on his birthday and his 28 years of service in the U.S. Army.
Lewiston Fire Department and Lewiston and Auburn police, American Legion Post 36 (Boothbay Region) and Honor Flight Maine participated, among numerous others.
The spirited parade commenced with a celebration at his residenc,e where a viewing of the event that was recorded on video was watched and placed on Youtube.
Born in Boston on June 20, 1928, the son of Raymond and Hazel Boutin, he was adopted at an early age by Herman and Florence Koss and enjoyed the care and friendship of two families.
He grew up in Lewiston/Auburn, graduating in the Lewiston High School Class of 1946, and that same year joined the Army.
On Dec. 26, 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen ‘Kay’ Traynor, and together they raised six children, Pamela, Nancy, Robert, Patricia, Wayne and Kathy, alongside many notable pets.
His military travels brought them to France, Germany, Milwaukee, Alabama, Boston and back home to Maine.
He served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam before retiring in 1974 to spend more time with his family and friends in his home area of Lewiston and Auburn. He received several notable medals and Honorable service recognitions including an Expert Riflemen’s Badge for his marksmanship during his 28 years of service.
Additionally, he was a highly skilled ping pong player and a team leader for his Army basketball team.
He remained active with the service activities, becoming commander of the Alden Gayton American Legion Post 31 of Auburn multiple times in the 70s and 80s.
He was grande voiture du gare of the 40 & 8 (an honor society of American Legion members) from 1993 to 1997.
In the 70s he was a baseball manager for the Cummings Cleaner’s Little League team and the initial manager for the Alden Gayton Post 31, besides being a well-regarded umpire prior.
He became the American Legion baseball chairman in 1988 and served through 1997. He was recognized with a Distinguished Service Award by the Maine state commander for his outstanding service and dedication to promoting good sportsmanship to the youth of Maine.
He has 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His beloved wife passed away in 2016 and daughter Patricia in 2018.
To watch the video, google “Lionel Koss birthday parade video.”