AUBURN – Edward D. Gowell, formerly of 256 Main St., Auburn, died Wednesday, June 29, at Schooner Estates, following a long period of ill health.

Born in Lewiston, May 23, 1923, the son of Carl M. Gowell Sr., and Edith Alden Gowell, he lived in Auburn most of his life. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1945 and attended Bentley College in Boston.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was married to the former Rachel Holt of Auburn, on June 26, 1949, at the High Street Methodist Church in Auburn. He lovingly cared for her during her long illness, prior to her death on Oct. 10, 1994.

He was employed by G.A. Peterson Co., in Auburn as office manager for 12 years, and later was the accountant/treasurer of Northeastern Inc., in Lewiston for 20 years. He was a former member of the East Auburn Baptist Church and was a current member of the Park Avenue United Methodist Church.

As a young man, he was a member of the Lake View Grange at Young’s Corner where he served as master for two terms and was active in drama.

His hobbies included making hooked rugs, ceramics, painting sun catchers, dancing, collecting smiley faces, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He volunteered at the Auburn Middle School for three years, where he received the Teachers’ Association Award for Maine, as well as the Volunteer Award for Maine. Most recently, he did volunteer work at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. While residing at the Lake Auburn Towne House from 1987 to 1998, he held the offices of president and treasurer in the residents’ association.

Survivors include two sons, Dale E. Gowell of Auburn and Shawn Ross Gowell of Palmyra; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Raelene) Keniston of Dover-Foxcroft and Mrs. John (Shelley) Griffith of Norway; a sister, Rose Ames of Leeds; six grandchildren, Robert S. Keniston, Kathleen A. (Keniston) Gagne, Shannon R. (Keniston) Jones, Courtney L. Griffith, Daniel S. Griffith and Ian M. Griffith; five great-grandchildren, Emma Fairbrother, Gaven Jones, Austen Jones, Erik William Gagne and Parker Gagne; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Elsie Gowell Harrington; and two brothers, George Gowell and Carl M. Gowell Jr.