Earl Pratt

Earl C. Pratt was born in Fairfield on May 7, 1917, the son of George C. and Arlie (Trask) Pratt. His sister was Arleen. 

He lived in Clinton, Fairfield, and Benton before moving back to Clinton in 1936, where he resided until his death. He married the former Bernice Dow of Albion in March of 1938 and they lived on the Burnham Road until he returned from military service during World War II. He then moved to Church Street and had resided there for more than 50 years. 

Earl was inducted into the Army on April 24, 1945, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 7, 1946, attaining the rank of corporal. Earl served in the Army Air Corps and Military Police in the North African and the European theaters.

Prior to his military service, Earl was employed as a janitor and school bus driver for the town of Clinton, as well as farming and hauling with his truck. Following his military service, he was employed at Besse Brothers Tannery in Clinton, and later was employed as weave room second hand at Ski-Land Woolen Mill where he retired in 1982 after 29 years there.

He was a charter member of Willett-McKenney American Legion Post of Clinton and served as service officer for many years. He was a former assistant scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts in Clinton and served as a special deputy sheriff under Kennebec County Sheriff Harry Pinkham. He served as a selectman for the town of Clinton for three years and as a member of the Cemetery Committee for many years. He also served as a captain on the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and was driver of "Old Mollie."

Earl was a licensed journeyman oil burner man for many years, and often gave his services without charge to those who did not have the means to pay.

He enjoyed gardening and often gave produce away to others who did not have a garden. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Earl passed away April 28, 2008, at his home in Clinton at the age of 90.