LEWISTON – Gerald Clayton Twitchell, a resident of Upper Street, Turner, passed away Wednesday, April 30, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 29, 1942, the son of Harold and Virginia Twitchell. He was a lifelong resident of Turner. Gerry was a graduate of Leavitt Institute in 1960, and the University of Maine Orono in 1962, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

On Oct. 5, 1963, he married Jan Morse and together they raised three wonderful children, Katie, Martha and Matt. He began his agricultural/dairy farming career by working for Paul and Mavis Varney at their family farm. In 1968, he and Jan purchased the Washburn Farm on Upper Street. He went on to develop his beloved Geran Farm by clearing many fields and building barns.

His first herd of cows were the Jerseys he purchased from his father. He then went on to raise prize winning Holsteins and won numerous awards including Maine State Dairy Farmer of the Year and the New England Green Pastures Award. He was No. 1 in Maine for milk fat production for many years and also was No. 1 in the United States for milk production of herds his size in 1986.

His cattle routinely were top prize winners at the annual state dairy show, as well as at Eastern States Exposition. He took great pride in the “general appearance” of the farm. He made certain it was always meticulously kept. Many of his children’s friends got their first taste of hardwork by working along side Gerry at Geran Farm.

He was a member of the Nezinscot Lodge IOOF of Turner and former member of the Turner Planning Board. He also served as president of the Maine State Holstein Association. He was proudly involved in the local 4-H program, with his good friend, Abe Additon, when their children were active members.

His greatest joy was his family, and he is survived by his wife Jan, of 45 years; his children, Katie Parkin, Martha Baugh and her husband, Brett, and Matt Twitchell and his wife, Michelle; his beloved grandchildren, Benjamin, Elizabeth and William Parkin, Tyler and Slone Baugh and Reeve and Mason Twitchell; brothers, Gordon, Gilbert and Gard and his wife, Shirley; and a sister, Sandra.

His family will always be proud of his work ethic, keeping his word, and his never ending love, generosity and guidance. A special thank you to all the nurses and doctors of Central Maine Medical Center, who took such good care of Gerry over the past three months.