Gordon A. Benner, 85, passed away peacefully at Quarry Hill in Camden on the evening of June 18, 2019 with the comfort of his family by his side. Gordon was born on Oct. 27, 1933 in Rockland to Hazel Teele Genthner.
Gordon grew up in Bremen and Round Pond, attended Bristol schools and graduated from Bristol High School in 1953. After graduation Gordon entered the U.S. Army working as a helicopter mechanic during the Korean War.
Gordon was a school bus driver for many years, owned Benner Bros. and Leeman Construction, and built, owned, and operated the first car wash in Damariscotta on the Biscay Road. Gordon chaired the Bristol Parks Commission for almost 15 years, where he took great pride in working on many projects big and small; the Education Center at Pemaquid Point, the Ellingwood Park Information Center in Bristol Mills, and with help from his wife, Betty, developed the flowerbeds at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park.
Gordon was a devoted member of the Order of The Eastern Star which he served as the Worthy Grand Patron and member of the Bristol Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. Gordon was also a member of the Shriners and the American Legion of Damariscotta. Gordon also enjoyed being a member of the Maine Obsolete Auto League. Gordon and Betty enjoyed driving their motor home all over the United States visiting various O.E.S. Chapters, whose members they thought of as their second family.
Gordon was predeceased by his mother; his loving wife, Elizabeth; his brothers, Adelbert, Edward Jr., and Malcolm; and his sister, Pauline.
Gordon is survived by his daughter, Deborah Hilton of Damariscotta; brother, Frank Genthner and wife, Cecilia of Bristol; brother, Clell Genthner and wife Gerri of Damariscotta; sister-in-law, Janice McGuire of New Harbor; and brother-in-law, William Benner and wife Pat of Bristol. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paul Leeman III and wife Cerina of Round Pond, Heather Leeman of Jefferson, Nathan Hilton and wife Jessica of Damariscotta, Christopher Hilton and Hannah Kutschinski of Damariscotta; along with great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Kimball and Forrest Meader of Boothbay, Ivy Rose Kimball and fiance Augustus Bond of Jefferson, Paul Leeman IV, Lorelai Leeman, and Lucy Leeman, all of Round Pond, and Abigail Hilton, Fiona Hilton, and Wyatt Hilton, all of Damariscotta; and several nieces, nephews and many friends. Gordon was looking forward to the birth of his first great-great-granddaughter, Rose Elizabeth Bond in July. He also leaves behind his faithful four-legged friend Lacey.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Hall’s of Waldoboro, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. A celebration of Gordon’s life will he held on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. with a memorial given by the Order of The Eastern Star at the Broad Bay Church, 941 Main St., Waldoboro. Officiants will be Rev. Bob Dorr and Rev. Dr. Edward Wynne Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kora Shriners, 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit hallfuneralhomes.com.
