Maurice Louis “Lou” Simmons, 82, died March 5 at the Captain Lewis Residence in Farmingdale. He was born in Friendship on May 26, 1933 to Maurice Calvin and Edna Simmons.
He lived on Friendship Long Island year-round until he was seven and then moved to the mainland for school. He spent summers on the island, lobstering alongside his father and grandfather, often rowing his dory to pull 100 traps. As a teenager, he was hired as a chauffeur for Harry Thompson, the son of the Moxie founder, who had a summer place on Friendship Long Island. Through this job, he traveled throughout New England and developed a desire to see the world. He graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1951 as the valedictorian, and then joined the Air Force, working as an electrician and electronics instructor.
While stationed at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Tex., he met Gloria Williams, the love of his life, and they were married on May 1, 1953. In March 1958, they had their son, Patrick, soon followed by their daughter, Terri, in February 1959. Lou and Gloria spent 20 years in the Air Force, traveling the country, and spending two years in the Philippines. Lou spent a year away from the family during the Vietnam War when he was stationed in Thailand.
In 1973 Lou retired from the Air Force and returned to Maine, working as an electrician at Bath Iron Works until he retired in 1991. They lived for a few years in Richmond before returning to Waldoboro to be closer to Friendship Long Island. Lou and Gloria were regulars for years at Moody’s Diner, a tradition that continued after Gloria died.
Lou loved his house on Friendship Long Island, and his boat, and he spent many wonderful summer days there with his whole family. He enjoyed helping to restore the house, going on boat rides, fishing, and playing games with his family, especially, horseshoes and croquet. He especially enjoyed spending time with his cousins, Carl and Lanny, talking about old times growing up on the island.
Always having a love of technology, Lou had one of the first personal computers in the state, spending many hours doing genealogy, talking to friends and playing games. He loved to read and was rarely seen without his pipe, and loved a good joke. He traveled to Texas many times, and took a trip to Grand Canyon and Phoenix with Gloria, Terri, and Terri’s family that he greatly enjoyed.
Lou was predeceased by his parents; and his wife Gloria in 2012.
He is survived by his children, Pat and Tami Simmons of Bowdoinham, and Terri and Paul Petroulis of Richmond; grandchildren, Amber Simmons of Topsham, Nick and Sarah Petroulis of Ellsworth, Ana Whittaker of Bath, Alexandra Petroulis of Somerville, Mass., Summer and Norman Knight of Portland, Sunshine Anders of Port Lucie, Fla., Cory Grover of Dorchester, Mass., and India and Dan Gregware of South Carolina; several great-grandchildren; brother, Linden and wife Peggy Simmons of Wiscasset; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held at 1 p.m., Sat., March 12 with a celebration of Lou’s life at 2 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. A reception will follow at the home of Mark Wallace and Shelley Pease on Route 220 in Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Lou’s name to the Friendship Museum, P.O. Box 226, 1 Martin Point Rd., Friendship, ME 04547.
To extend online condolences, light a candle for Lou, or to share a story or pictures, please visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com
Hall Funeral Home and Tribute Center of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.