AUBURN — Willis George Roberts, 81, of Lewiston, died peacefully on Monday, April 1, at Clover Health Care, with his family by his side.

He was born March 23, 1932, the son of Raymond S. Roberts and Doris Hare of Wales. He attended local schools and was a high school graduate of Edward Little High School, Class of 1950. He then entered the U.S. Army and served his country until January 1954, when he was honorably discharged.

On Aug. 8, 1951, he married Maxine L. Young of Lisbon. Willis went to work for his father at Robert’s and Turner Machine Co. in Lewiston as a machinist and parts clerk. He then went to work for A.C. Electric Motor Co. in Auburn as a salesman and then to Bearing Specialty Co. of Boston, South Portland and Lewiston.

Willis was  a self-taught engineer. He did business with Gates Formed Fiber Co., Pioneer Plastics, Union Comp., Tambrands, Lepage Bakery, General Electric Co., Cote Crane, New Fab Inc., Seltzer Rydholm, Elmer’s Pipe Shop, Bates Manufacturing Co., Supreme Slipper, Jones and Vining, Paragon Glass Co., Bachman Industry, Philips Elmet, Pike Industry, Bath Iron Works, Maine Poly, Dingley Press, Woodfiber Materials, Motor Power Inc., Boston Gear, W.S. Libbey, I.P. Paper Mill and other paper mills in Northern Maine.

Following his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his cottage in Wayne. Not long after retiring, Willis went to work for Ace Security of Lewiston, working as a security officer at the Auburn Mall, Bates College and the Bates Mill Complex of Lewiston.

Willis loved to play his harmonica, guitar, played the spoons, tap danced, danced, sang, played jokes on people and loved to make people laugh. In 1965, Willis got his flying license at Twitchell’s Airport in Turner and flew quite a few times.

Willis took care of his mother with dementia for a few years and immediately after her passing, he began his own 12-year decline of Alzheimer’s disease.

It has been a difficult journey, but Willis has left us with memories we will never forget. He will be sadly missed by all and wouldn’t you know he would pass on on April Fool’s Day. He still got the last joke.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Maxine Roberts of Lewiston; one son, Raymond Roberts and wife, Kari and her daughter, Lacy of Lewiston; daughter, Linda Hadakin and husband, Terry, of Lewiston; daughter, Kay Johnson and husband, Richard, of New Hampshire; grandchildren, Kristi Touchette and husband, Jerry, Stacci Beck, Chad Hadakin and Joey and Jenna Roberts; great-grandchildren, Cayleb Hadakin and Aviemore Touchette; one sister, Elaine Foss and husband, Charles, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a brother, Larry Roberts of Litchfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Roberta Broome of Florida.

A special thanks to Clover Health Care staff and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for the excellent care given him.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date.