AUBURN – Francis E. Edwards, 78, of Poland, died on Saturday, March 17, at the Hospice House.

He was born on April 2, 1928, in Poland, the son of William S. Edwards Sr. and Edith A. (Collings). He was married to his wife, Lillian A. (May) on Aug. 26, 1950, in Poland. They did most everything together including, church, camping and Grange.

He lived his entire life on that piece of property in Poland. He attended the Poland Springs School, where the bottling plant is now. He was a hard worker, a dedicated husband and a good provider for his family. As a young man he worked for Glen Torrey in the haying fields and on his farm. He really liked working outside, and during the summer months he worked for several road construction companies. In later years he worked for Suburban Security, drove for Androscoggin Home Health, and his last job, drove for Community Concepts.

He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his R.V. His last ice fishing trip with his son-in-law, Roger, was in January of this year. He was a member of Fireside Friends, a camping group from the Oxford Hills area, that he and his wife, Lillian, really enjoyed.

Another thing he always looked forward to was working at the Fryeburg State Fair watching the front gate. It gave him an opportunity to meet with old friends and to make new ones. He was also an active and faithful member of the Excelsior Grange for a number of years and held offices. He was a member of the Pomona State and National Grange.

He was an active member and in good standing at the Faith Baptist Church on Washington Avenue, and was very active in remodeling the building. He had a good relationship with his pastor and his church family. He was committed to serving the Lord, and in his last days told his doctor he knew where he was going.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family and friends.

He is survived by daughters Ruth A. Weymouth, of Lewiston, Rose M. Pelletier, of Lewiston, and Frances L. Rugg, of Oxford; a son, Alonzo E. Edwards, of Minot; a sister, Effie, who still lives next door; four granddaughters; one grandson; five great-grandsons; and three great-granddaughters.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Lillian, in 2005; two brothers; and one sister.