FAYETTE – Clayton G. Wilkins, 83, of Lovejoy Shores, Fayette, passed away at home in the company of family on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, just one day prior to his 84th birthday.
He was born on Sept. 14, 1924 in Derby, the son of George and Clara (Hatto) Wilkins. He attended school in Canaan, ME prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and serving two years in the Pacific.
After the war he attended Hemphill Diesel Engineering School in New York City before settling in Livermore Falls to raise a family. He and his wife, the former Arlene Coombs, raised six children together and still found time to operate a family business, first a farm and later, Breezy Acres Trailer Park.
During the 36 years he was employed by International Paper Company he also served his community as a volunteer fire fighter, civil defense director, deputy sheriff and school board member. After retiring from his position as Power Plant Maintenance Analyst in 1985 he enjoyed building his lakefront retirement home and traveling extensively, visiting family and seeing sights all across the country.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Arlene Wilkins of Fayette; a son, Craig Wilkins and his wife, Cynthia of Apex, NC; daughters, Bev Tanaka and her husband, Randy of Honolulu, HI, Cheryl Shuttleworth of Portland, Trudy Barclay and her husband, Barry of Fayette, Wendy Richards and her husband, Gib of Wahiawa, HI, Linda Wilkins and her husband, Bob Dane of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Derek, Casey, Lindsay, Andrew, Jennifer, Valerie, Benjamin, Katelyn and Kenny; great grandchildren, Brittany, Kenneth, London, Soleil, Lilianna, Bradley, Emily, Zachary, Lauren; three sisters, Henrietta Newbecker, Wilda McKewen and Eva Smalley; many special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Wilkins and a great grandson, Zachary Steeb.
Memorial services with military honors by the local veteran’s organizations will be held, 11AM, Sat., Sept. 20, 2008 at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Rd., Rte. 133, Jay with Clayton’s friend and neighbor, Rev. Jeffrey Dugan, officiating. Family and friends are invited to call at the center, 6-8PM, Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. Interment will be at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Livermore Falls. Gifts may be given in Clayton’s memory to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 797, Wilton, ME 04294 or to The Arbor House, 364 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Words of condolence may be sent info@wilesrc.com
