1916 – 2003

LEWISTON – Zury R. Wilkins, 87, a resident of Bemis Street, Livermore Falls, died Thursday, Dec. 18, at CMMC surrounded by his family.

He was born in Livermore on Sept. 12, 1916, the son of Arthur and Ida Records Wilkins. He was a graduate of Livermore Falls High School, class of 1936.

On March 25, 1939, he married Marguerite Packard in Livermore. They had celebrated 51 years of marriage before her death on Nov. 22, 1989. He served in the Army Air Corps. during World War II stationed in Japan. He worked as a driver for the Cushman Bakery during his high school years, later working for the Record Foundry in Livermore Falls.

Following his military service, he worked as head millwright for International Paper Co., Otis Division, later known as James River Co. in Jay, retiring from IP in 1978 after 32 years of service and from James River in 1981.

He always looked forward to spending time with his family. They were his pride and joy. He will be remembered for his famous whoopie pies and chocolate chip cookies that he baked for his family and friends.

He enjoyed carpentry and remodeling and always had a good story to tell. He was a member of the I.P. Quarter Century Club; the Oriental Star Masonic Lodge 21 of Livermore Falls and a former member of the American Legion, Post 10 of Livermore Falls. He attended the Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church of Livermore Falls.

He is survived by a daughter, Nancy Wilkins of Lewiston; a son, Bruce Wilkins of Livermore; a sister, Mrs. Warren (Ruth) Enos of Livermore; four granddaughters, Debra Allen and her husband Gene of Jay, Julie Simoneau of Wilton, Essence Wilkins of Waterville and Kayla Wilkins of Waterville; four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Wilkins Grondin; a granddaughter, Cindy Simoneau; a great-granddaughter, Jessica Simoneau; a sister, Avis Arnold; and three brothers, Merton, Earl and Oscar Wilkins.