He was born to Earl and Beatrice (Leach) Rowell on June 24, 1933, in Cabot, Vermont. He was educated in Vermont before coming to the area as young boy.
On Sept. 29, 1951, he married Avis A. Goodrich in Biddeford. They shared 56 years together until her death on Feb. 1, 2006.
He worked for over 30 years at Sebago Moccasin in Westbrook and Nike Shoes in Saco before retiring in 1998. In his retirement, he worked for his daughter at RB’s Restaurant in Lyman and Cozi Corner Café in Waterboro.
He loved to live and loved all the people in his life. He was kind and generous with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing and cooking. He also loved watching old westerns.
He was preceded in death by: a grandson, Timothy Elwell; two brothers, Ronald and Billy Rowell; and a sister, Beverly Chase.
Gordon is survived by: three daughters, Ellen Strickland and her husband George of West Newfield, Judy Pinard and her husband Renald of Lyman, and Lois Merrifield and her significant other Doc Hurd of Waterboro; a sister, Evelyn Wakefield of Lyman; seven grandchildren; 19 greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be 10- 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Rick Leach, Joe’s nephew, will officiate at Hope Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in South Buxton Cemetery in Buxton.
Memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to Massabesic Lions Club, 813D Main St., Waterboro, ME 04087.
Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.