Lester R. Watkins

PARIS — Lester R. Watkins, 80, of South Paris died Friday, December 28, 2012 at the Maine Veterans Home, where he had been a resident since 2009. He was born in Seek, PA on July 22, 1932, the son of Willard and Ester Groves Watkins. He grew up in Seek. He attended Girard College, a boy’s school in Philadelphia.

Upon graduation, he joined the U. S. Navy in May of 1951. He was honorably discharged in January of 1955. He served in the Korean War on the USS Irwin DD 794, which was based out of Newport, RI. He achieved the rank of First Class Machinist Mate (MM1). He received the Korean Service Medal and the UN Service Medal.

After his service in the Navy, he attended Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia, where he received a degree in Mechanical Technology. He worked at the Research & Development Corporation Aero Projects for three years, General Electric Space Division, RCA and Maine Electronics; he retired from Data General in Westbrook after 18 years.

Mr. Watkins' hobby was flying. In 1959/60, he and a few friends scraped together enough money to buy an old Piper Cub. In later years he was an active member of the EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association, with interests in homebuilt aircraft.

He was married to Elma Jane Frome of Moorestown, NJ in February of 1962. They resided in Downington, PA until they moved their family to Paris Hill in 1970. Before moving to Maine they enjoyed summers here. They were married for 43 years. He enjoyed spending time “Googling” and “researching” on his computer while at the Veterans Home.

Mr. Watkins is survived by a son, Robert L. Watkins of Virginia; a daughter, Gail Gillespie Kolda and her husband Scott A. Kolda of New Gloucester; granddaughter, Harleigh Lyn Gillespie of New Gloucester; two nieces, Jayne Beth Devlin of Cresson, PA and Donna Jane Stolarcyk of Wilkes Barre, PA. He was predeceased by his wife.

At his request there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.