Ralph Lawrence Watson

AUGUSTA – Ralph Lawrence Watson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Ralph was born in Auburn, Maine, on April 18, 1935, the son of Thelma (Haskell) and Merle Watson.

Ralph grew up in Auburn, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1953. He graduated from Maine Vocational Technical Institute in South Portland with a degree in Electronics in 1955. Ralph went to work for Central Maine Power in Lewiston after graduating from MVTI, eventually transferring to the Augusta office. During his career at CMP, he developed a love of gardening and opened “The Bloomin’ Idiot” greenhouse in Monmouth with his wife Shirley. Upon retiring from CMP in 1994, after 38 years of service, they spent the next 10 years traveling the country in their motorhome, settling in Florida, then moving back to Maine in 2017.

Ralph was dedicated to his family. He was always available to help, teach, and offer guidance with love. He was an avid card player, cribbage being one of his favorite pastimes. Also among his interests were wood-working, square-dancing, bowling.

Ralph was very active in civic organizations; he was a 32nd Degree Mason, Past King Lion of the Monmouth Lions Club, member of the Lewiston Kora Temple Shrine, Augusta Elks, a life member of the Mystic Chapter OES, a member of CAMRA, and the Monmouth Snowmobile Club. He also volunteered at Waterman Hospital in Tavares, Fla., CMMC in Lewiston, and Maine General in Augusta.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Shirley (Smith Austin) of Augusta; two daughters, Barbara (Watson) Learned and husband Steve of Randolph, Teri (Watson) Oellers and husband Rick of Saco; three grandchildren, Shawn Kimball and wife Amanda of Vassalboro, Tori (Oellers) Blume and husband Garner of Waltham, Mass., and Eric Oellers of Saco; four great-grandchildren, Ryan Kimball, Travis Kimball, Emilia Blume, and Watson Blume; extended family consisting of fie stepchildren, Janet Desjardins of Augusta, Sharon Soble of Leesburg, Fla., Shari Austin of Richmond, Va., David Austin and wife Linda of Albion, Renee Page and husband Rick of Farmingdale; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Ralph was predeceased by his mother, father, his brother Kenneth, two stepchildren Polly Austin and Timothy Austin.

A memorial service will be held at Cox Memorial UMC, 29 Middle St., Hallowell on Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m. Interment will be a private ceremony at a later date.

Ralph’s family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff of 2 West at Maine General for the care and compassion shown to everyone during this difficult time.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Augusta Elks Scholarship Fund in his name to:

Augusta Elks Lodge 964

397 Civic Center Dr.

Augusta, ME 04330