AUBURN – Alfred “Earl” Watkins, 89, died Dec. 20, at the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ Home.

He was born to parents the Rev. Charles A. Watkins and Leticia Mitchell Watkins in Sandwich, N.H., on Aug. 22, 1918. He lived in Maine as far north as East Millinocket and as far east as Milbridge, before coming to central Maine, where he lived in both Mechanic Falls and Auburn for more than 50 years.

He served in the army during World War II in the Italian campaign. After returning home, he worked in the dry cleaning business, eventually opening Quality Dry Cleaners in Mechanic Falls. Over the years he also worked as an electrician’s assistant, oil burner serviceman, small engine repairman, and eventually took over the Minot Avenue Laundromat from his father-in-law, Elmer P. White. He loved to “tinker” and help out his neighbors.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Auburn for 57 years, the Masonic Lodge in Auburn, and the Minot Center Grange for 45 years, where he served as master for one term, as well as the Androscoggin Pomona, Maine State Grange, and National Grange.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Auburn; a daughter, Jane Piela and husband, Carl Piela, of Lisbon Falls; a daughter, Sharon Johnson and husband, Darryl Johnson, of Otisfield; a son, Edward Watkins and wife, Sandy, of Norway; a sister, Ruth Jucius and husband, Charles, of Greene; brothers, David Watkins and wife, Janice, of Turner and James Watkins and wife, Sarah Ann, of Orrington; eight grandchildren, Steven Piela, wife Kristen, and sons Jacob and Zachary (great-grandchildren) of New Gloucester, Kathryn Kenny, husband Scott and sons Brady and Kyle (great-grandchildren) of Limerick, Andrea Piela of Windham, Brendon and Corey Johnson of Lexington, Mass., Garrick Johnson of Poultney, Vt., Katelynn and Christopher Watkins; and step-grandsons, Richard and David Hodge of Norway.

He was predeceased by one brother, Charles Watkins Jr.; and four sisters, Doris Virgin, Marjorie Brown, Neva Weidner and Rita Gertrude Watkins.