Edward M. Tibbetts of Southport, 86, died November 29 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born February 13, 1926 in Bath to Walter and Lelia Parris Tibbetts. He grew up and lived his entire life on Southport.

Ed worked as a lobsterman and stop seining for herring his whole life. He built all of his own boats, traps and gear. He enjoyed working in his shop building and repairing. He also enjoyed traveling to local fairs and going to Florida. He liked to talk about boats and fishing.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Ed was on a ship that was torpedoed by the Germans. When another ship came along, Ed and the other men were instructed to swing over on a knotted rope in the cold and dark with 25-foot seas. Ed made it across to the other ship. One thousand men were lost on the other ship that sank. Ed was part of the Army of Occupation in France and Austria. Ed was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter Jr., George, Albion, Arthur and James Tibbetts.

He is survived by a sister, Beatrice Hawke of Boothbay Harbor; brother, Gordon Tibbetts of Southport; nephews, Andy Hawke of Boothbay Harbor, Timmy Tibbetts of Southport, Steve Tibbetts of Southport, Dusty Tibbetts of Southport, Randy Tibbetts of Massachusetts, Craig Tibbetts of Florida; nieces, Mona Faulter of Phippsburg, Brenda Tibbetts of Southport, Bunny Blanchard of Southport, Martha Dickson of Bath, Lorna Tibbetts of Brunswick; and several great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Decker Cemetery in Southport. Al Roberts will officiate.

You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Boothbay.