Bowdoin-Vernon “Joe” Harmon, 77, died suddenly at his home Friday, May 24, 2013.

He was born in Worcester, MA October 6, 1935, son of Vernon and Hazel Harmon. His family moved to Bowdoin when Vern was 8. He attended local schools, graduated from SMVTI, and served his country in the Army during the KoreanWar.

On August 6, 1960 he married the love of his life Shirley Young, and they had four children.

Vernon worked for Brunswick Ford for many years and then for Bath Iron Works in both Bath and Portland. He retired in 2000 but, as like most people, he did not stay retired and was currently employed by Senior Health Center in Brunswick.

Vernon was known, loved and respected by many. His #1 commitment was and always remained his family, who we loved unconditionally and would do anything for. His second priority was his Masonic Lodge, Village Lodge #26 where he was a member for 49 years. He took his mentoring role seriously because he believed in the organization and he made a lot of friends over the years. He was a member of Scottish Rite, a Shriner with Kora Temple, and a member of the Bowdoin Center Baptist Church. He and Shirley enjoyed frolicking on bus trips around the country, and camping trips with dear friends Margaret and Dean Logan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, three of his children, Melodie and husband Stan Burnham of Bowdoin, Michael Harmon of Bowdoin, Melissa and husband John Vear of Richmond, eight grandchildren, Cassandra and husband Cameron Hall, Adam Burnham and fiancé Brittney Doughty, Christopher and wife Savanna Burnham, Mitchell and wife Adrienne Harmon, Nicholas Harmon, Natasha Harmon and companion Jared Edgecomb, Mars Vear, and Rowdy Vear, two great grandchildren, Jeremy and Hannah, his mother-in-law Mary Young of Bowdoin, his former daughter-in-law Kimberly and husband Tim Berry of Lisbon Falls, siblings Helen Krog of Brewer, Lois and husband Walter Ames of Lisbon Falls, Richard and wife Mary-Jo Harmon of Lisbon Falls, Ralph and wife Jenn Harmon of Bowdoin, Harriet and husband Stephen Hudson of Litchfield, and many, many relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his oldest son Mark, his parents, father-in-law Lewis Young, and three brothers, Larry, Lee, and Frank.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Kincer Funeral Home, Pleasant Street, Richmond on Thursday, May 30 from 2-4 or 6-9 with a Masonic service being held at 7:30. Friday, May 31 visitation is from 12-1 with a funeral service at 1:00. Burial to follow at West Bowdoin Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to CHANS Hospice and/or Pine Tree Camp.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St. Richmond, Me 04357.