1931 – 2003

AUBURN – Walter A. Atkins Jr., 72, of 11 Harris St., died late Monday evening, Aug. 4, peacefully in his sleep at home. After a stroke nine years ago his only words of communication was “no way.”

He was born in Lewiston July 21, 1931, the son of Walter and Cecile Plante Atkins. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in the class of 1949.

On Oct. 10, 1967 he married the former Madlyn Traynor, raised and brought up six stepchildren. At the time of his stroke he was employed at W.D. Matthews as a shipping clerk for 17 years. He was an avid sportsman and a truly dedicated Red Sox fan.

He enjoyed bowling and during his bowling years he was a bowling instructor for Junior League from 1978 to 1982. He was inducted into the Lewiston/Auburn Bowling Hall of Fame in 1983. He also collected tabs for the Shriners and donated them to many organizations for fundraising.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 153. He loved to teach and show people how to do things. He enjoyed helping people solve problems and faced every challenge with an open mind.

His quick wit and big smile will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War.

He leaves his wife of 35 years, Madlyn Atkins of Auburn; five stepsons, Timothy Alexander and his wife Marcia of Lewiston, Gary Alexander and his wife Karen of Lewiston, Scot Alexander and his wife Donna of Auburn, Bruce Alexander of Auburn, David Alexander and his wife Michelle of Minot; a stepdaughter, Vicki Lussier and her husband Bob of Auburn; 12 grandchildren, Shawn, Chad, Jeffery, Jennifer, Gregory, Tracie, Laurie, Nicholas, Katie and Ashley Alexander, Michelle and Robbie Lussier; three great-grandchildren, Keenan, Grace and Logan Alexander; a brother, Robert Atkins; a nephew, Jim Atkins; and two nieces, Kathy and Julie.

He was predeceased by his parents.