WINTHROP – Earl Bernal Wilkins, 94, of Winthrop, passed away at the Androscoggin Hospice House on Saturday, Jan. 12 2019, with his family at his side. He was born in Livermore on Feb. 18, 1924, the son of Earl Wilkins and Helen (Norton) Wilkins.

His military service in the Air Force included a tour of Japan which earned him the WWII Victory medal and the Army of Occupation medal.

In 1955 he married his wife of 63 years, Glennys Buker, and they later moved to Winthrop. Bernal worked as a carpenter and millwright for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine and a lifetime member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he held many positions over the years that included Department Commander for the State of Maine. Bernal represented the Odd Fellows in parades and ceremonies and traveled yearly with his wife Glennys, for lodge to lay a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He also loved traveling throughout the country for the Grand Assembly meetings. He was very involved with the Odd Fellows & Rebekah’s Home of Maine, where he served on the building committee and later resided.

He was an active member for over 50 years of the Winthrop Methodist Church, serving on many committees, and being a good steward of the congregation, from mowing the lawn to major structural renovations.

Bernal is remembered as a kind patient man who you could always count on. He was usually found tinkering on his next project for family or friends in his garage, with the wood stove burning and country music playing in the background. His dry sense of humor and knack for story telling welcomed all who entered his home. Bernal enjoyed his family, particularly the family gatherings.

He was predeceased by his wife Glennys, and brothers Colby, Clayton “Thurlow”, Orman and Merton Wilkins.

He is survived by his children Sandy Dutton and husband Joel, Brenda Wilkins and partner Ernie Henderson, Beverly Wilkins, all of Winthrop and Brad Wilkins and his wife Lisa of Orlando, Fla; his brothers Alton Wilkins and wife Cynthia, Hersey Wilkins and wife Jeannine, both of Livermore Falls, and sisters Beryl Griffin of Storrs, Conn., Vivian Fuller of Lisbon, Claire Flagg of Livermore Falls, Marcia Hamblin and husband Ed of Livermore, and his sister-in-law Arlene Wilkins and companion Tom Randall of Livermore Falls; his grandchildren Donnie Allison, Meghan Dutton Blask, Tim Dutton, Caitlin Lynch, Jessica Titus, Lauren Dummich, Jaret and Nathen Hopkins, and Josh, Noah and Brielle Hoffert; and great-grandchildren Colton Hopkins, Washington, Piet and Dinah Blask, Olivia, Eugene and Becky Dutton.

Friends and family are invited to visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St. Winthrop where a celebration of Bernal’s life will be held immediately following visitation at 11 a.m. The burial will be held at Maine Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Donations may be made to:

Odd Fellows & Rebekah’s Home of Maine

85 Caron Ln.

Auburn ME. 04210

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