FRIENDSHIP — Gorden Edwin Simmons Sr., 81, of Friendship, passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, at his home on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.

He was born in Friendship on May 2, 1942, to his parents, Clifton (Keek) and Ernestine (Tena) Simmons. He attended local schools, including Waldoboro High School.

In March of 1964, he enlisted in the Navy and served until his honorable discharge in January 1970. While on leave in April of 1964, he married the love of his life, Barbara Lee Abbott of Boothbay Harbor.

Gorden was very proud to serve in the Navy and remained a patriot until his passing. He especially enjoyed having conversations with the younger generation and their experiences, including James Day and his current service in the Marine Corps.

Following his military service, Gorden worked at the Maine State Prison as a prison guard. He worked as a local carpenter before embarking on a 29-year career at Bath Iron Works; he was a very respected and well-liked member of the carpenter shop.

On the weekends in his retirement, Gorden would often be found – in his words – “tinkering” around in his garage on various projects. He enjoyed the local stock car racing scene and spent endless summer evenings sitting in the bleachers at the Wiscasset Speedway alongside his trusted wingman, his son, Darren Simmons. As a motorcyclist, he and wife, Barbara, added many miles on his various Honda Goldwings. He passed this love of motorcycles down to both of his sons.

A family man, first and foremost, Gorden devoted his life to them with a passion. He loved his granddaughters, Danika and Kristen Simmons, as if they were his own kids. Gorden and his wife took the girls on many trips, including the Niagara Falls in Canada and a month-long cross country roadtrip to Arizona. Gorden and his wife gave them many memories that will last a lifetime.

He was preceded by his parents, Clifton Simmons and Ernestine Simmons of Friendship; in-laws, Ralph and Mae Abbott of Boothbay Harbor; and brother Venson Simmons of Friendship.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara Simmons of Friendship; son Darren Simmons and his wife, Susan Simmons of Friendship; son Gordon Jr. and fiancé, Jenny Pease of Union; brother Theodore Simmons of Friendship; brother Douglas Simmons and his wife, Sheryl Simmons; granddaughters Danika Simmons, of Rockland, and Kristen Simmons, of Friendship; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Everrett Stanton of Rockland; and various nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on June 5, 2023, at 3 p.m., at Harbor Cemetery in Friendship.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Gorden, or to share a story or picture, please visit Gorden’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com