BOWDOIN — Vernon “Joe” Harmon, 77, died suddenly at his home Friday, May 24.

He was born in Worcester, Mass., Oct. 6, 1935, son of Vernon and Hazel Harmon. His family moved to Bowdoin when Vern was eight. He attended local schools, graduated from SMVTI and served his country in the Army during the Korean War. On Aug. 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 number one commitment was and always remained his family, whom he 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 and Melissa and husband, John Vear, of Richmond; eight grandchildren, Cassandra and husband, Cameron Hall, Adam Burnham and fiancee, 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 and 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.