AUBURN — Earl F. Turner of Hartford, completed his earthly journey at the Androscoggin Hospice House on March 14.

Earl was born in Beverly, Mass., June 22, 1923, the son of Walter R. Turner Sr. and the former Helga S. Ask. He was a graduate of Sanborn Seminary, Kingston, N.H., and the University of New Hampshire.

In 1947, Earl married the former Florence Clark. Early years of married life were spent in Fremont, N.H., where he operated a wood working business specializing in wood turnings. It was there that he created and commercialized a line of miniature colonial reproductions which were sold at museums and restorations across the country. He was very active in community affairs, serving in various public offices including that of town selectman. Fulfilling a dream of his father’s, he designed and built, with the help of family and friends, a dam, known today as Turner’s Dam, on the Exeter River.

About 1968, he purchased from John Ellingwood the former Ellingwood Mill and brush block machinery in Buckfield. The brush block business was expanded to include other wood turnings. In 1985, Earl sold this portion of the business to Calvin Wells.

After acquiring the Ellingwood business, the colonial miniature reproduction manufacturing was relocated to Buckfield and expanded further. Earl and Florence continued to operate that business for a number of years.

In Maine, as in New Hampshire, family, church and community were of utmost importance to him. Earl was a member of Buckfield Community Church, a former selectman of Hartford, active in the Hartford Heritage Society, a member and past master of Evening Star Lodge No. 147, a member of Androscoggin Valley Scottish Rite, a member and past patron of Mt. View Chapter No. 197, Eastern Star and a member of American Legion Post No. 58 – World War II veteran (4 Battle Stars including Battle of the Bulge).

In addition to his wife, Earl leaves one son, Bruce R. Turner and wife, Penny; one daughter, Ann Rose; three grandchildren, Cheryl Turner Elwell and husband, David, Brian Turner and Paul Rose; one great-grandchild, Hannah Elwell; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Turner, Bernice Turner and Marie Clark Nelson; brother-in-law, Arthur B. Clark and wife, Mary Ann; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his two sisters, Dorothy Stevens and Audrey Johnson; his two brothers, Henry E. and Walter R. Turner Jr.; and one son, Earl B. Turner.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.