Born in Ephrata, PA on November 21st 1948 Lt. Gordon “Don” Simes (Ret.) is proceeded in death by his parents Howard “Buck” Simes and Joanie Gilbert Simes of North Wales, PA, his sister Margaret “Peggy” Keyser of Lansdale PA, his sister- in-law “Trudie” Ivanowicz of Hatfield PA, and brother-in-law Wesley Wentz, of Milford MI.
Gordon is survived by his wife Marlene Wentz Simes of Montgomeryville, PA. His brother Howard Simes Jr and wife “Sue” of Telford, PA,His brother Jerry (Simes) Ivanowicz of Hatfield, PA, Sister-in-law “Jackie” Chivinsky of Hartland MI, His son Joseph J. Simes and wife Lynn, of Montgomeryville PA, His daughter Joanna Simes Hassinger and her husband Paul, of New Hanover, PA.
He is also survived by his five Grandchildren, Nicholas and Joshua Simes, Zoë, Haley, and Rylee Hassinger
His nieces Jennifer Cipriano,Gerrielynn Paskill, Jackie Ann Chivinsky, Darlene Chivinsky, and Maureen Whelan, with countless great-grand, great-great-grand nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends of 50+ years.
After graduating Lansdale Catholic High School in 1966, he entered the Marine Corps in February 1967 and served until February 1971, having achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5).
Upon release from active duty in 1971, he joined the Montgomery Township Police Department. During his career he progressed through the ranks from patrolman to lieutenant. He held various Command assignments in the police department. His last assignment was as the Commanding Officer of the Administrative Division and second-in-command of the police department.
While serving with the police department, he graduated “cum laude” from Montgomery County Community College in 1976, with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He is a 1987 graduate of the FBI National Academy. During his career he had been an instructor and guest lecturer at various Police Academies, colleges, and universities.
Lt. Simes retired from the Montgomery Township Police Department on September 21, 2010.
He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps League (Hannings-Linderman Detachment), Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, U.S. Naval Institute, American Legion, FBI National Academy, Pennsylvania Police Officers Association, and as a past President (2006) of the Delaware Valley Professional Police Association.
In 2006, he contributed an “Afterword” for the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association’s publication of Captain Jack Holtwick’s “History of the Naval Security Group to World War II.” In his retirement he was researching and writing similar articles for publication that are related to U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. government cryptology efforts during the Viet Nam era; with special emphasis on the National Security Agency contributions.
After retirement Gordon enjoyed traveling around the world. He spent his leisure time surrounded by family and friends.
He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers The Simes Family would like donations to be made to the Tunnel2Towers Foundation or Doylestown Hospice.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wayside Chapel at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002, from 9 to 11 AM, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Following the calling hour there will be a short procession to Gordon’s Committal Service, where honors will take place.
Rest in peace my friend. I have so many wonderful memories of the Marine Corps years in Hawaii. My condolences to your family and friends.
Melinda Avey
Terrible T sends……to “Slimey”…rest in peace buddy. Our times in 1st and 2nd radio bn. Fleet Marine Force, Pensacola and Camp Lejeune will not be forgotten. Say hello to our pals who have gone before and save me a seat, will be along shortly……….Semper Fi.
I’ll always remember our NA golf outings. Don, you could’ve been on the pro circuit.
Thank you for all the years of service brother. Rest In Peace.
Rest In Peace, Brother
He was a good friend, having known him since highschool. He was my riveral for someone and he won. He will be deerly miss. I still my half of a $1.00 bill that he ripped up before I went in to the Marine Corps. We were going to use it to get a drink when we got together.
RIP LT Simes: Don, we have been friends for over 50 years, thru both good times. You were a good and upright man who served your Country and Community. ” Well done my good and faithful servant.”
There was a Last Call at the Drum and Spear to honor you.
A classmate but most importantly a good friend and mentor to our grandson who was in the Marines. We enjoyed our times together. We were blessed with Gordon’s friendship and we will forever miss him. Prayers for comfort, strength and peace for his family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Dear Friend.
Ron (LC 1965) and Mary (Schultz) Rogozinski (LC 1966)
Death casts a dark shadow that cannot linger long in the lovely light of a life well lived. Please accept our sincere condolences. Joe and Suzanne (Loris) Kaye (LC 1966)
The Final Inspection”
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?”
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t,
Because those of us who carry badges
can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep….
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t…..I’ll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
Don, Rest In Peace, I will always remember you as a mentor who helped me in my career in Law Enforcement. Detective Richard Martin ACPD retired