1916 – 2003

SOUTH PARIS – Fred S. Judkins, 87, a longtime Upton resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Market Square Health Care Center where he had resided for the past three years. He was surrounded by close family members and dear friends during his passing.

He was born on Oct. 4, 1916, in Upton, the son of Cedric and Jennie (Sanborn) Judkins. He attended Upton school as a boy and graduated from Gould Academy in 1932 where he participated in Y.M.C.A., debating, dramatics, and was a member of The Academy Herald editorial board. He went on to study at the University of Maine in Orono where he received a B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry in 1937 and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho social fraternity.

Before he became well known running the Judkins Market in Upton, he taught vocational agriculture before and after serving for five years in the U.S. Army. His Army unit, the 240th Coast Artillery served during World War II protecting Portland Harbor.

After the war, he returned to Upton where he began dairy farming at his home known as “Hiawatha Homestead.” He was active in town life by serving as First Selectman of Upton for 33 years. He also served as Fire Chief, Fire Warden Civil Defense Director, 4-H Leader, and master of the local Pomona Grange.

He ran his family store for many years that was started by his parents in 1915, that became known as Judkins Market under his management. Known for his storytelling ability, dry sense of humor, and infamous quotations and rhymes, he became something of a local legend in Upton. Always one to eagerly share his stories and happenings of others, he wrote a column that lasted many decades entitled “Hiawatha Homestead” for the Advertiser Democrat.

Upon his retirement, he sold the family store and wintered in Inverness, Fla., and spent his summers in Bryant Pond. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, bowling with his league, traveling in his van, and cheering for the Red Sox. He was a terrific supporter of the Grange and the American Legion. His family will greatly miss him.

He is remembered fondly and survived by his daughter, Judy Bennett of Bryant Pond; his son, Fred Judkins II and his wife, Judy of Waterville; his sister, Ruth Bailey and her husband, Ed of Homosassa, Fla.; five grandchildren, Bryan and Elise Bennett, Karen and Nathan Judkins, and Nikki Judkins-Cooke; three great-grandchildren, Adreanna and Mykiah Bennett and Jessica Judkins-Cooke; numerous nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Marian York.

He was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Hathaway Judkins; his brothers, Albert and Kendrick Judkins; and his sisters, Lillian Abbott and Arline Bernier.