GARDINER – Edward “Eddie” W. Hamlin, 76, of Brunswick Avenue, passed away Sunday afternoon, June 4, 2006, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Dedham, a son of Cedric and Hera Moore Hamlin. Ed was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He had been employed at the Bangor Aroostock Railroad, Hallowell Shoe, Etonic Shoe in Richmond and the Scovil Co. in Connecticut, retiring in 1974. He was a member of the Augusta Lodge of Elks for 30 years, Smith-Wiley Post 4 American Legion, Gardiner for 32 years, Gardiner Eagles Club for 28 years and the VFW. He was predeceased by his son, Eric Hamlin. He is survived by his companion of 14 years, Helen Prowse of Gardiner; six children, Mark Hamlin of Connecticut, Scott Hamlin of Augusta, Jeri Lou Ames of Bucksport, Glenda Jean Middeller of Connecticut, Lisa Piccochi of Connecticut, Lori Kopf of Pennsylvania; his 10 brothers and sisters, Cedric Hamlin Jr. of Milo, Norma Black of Milo, Edith Strout of Durby, Robert Hamlin of Gardiner, Teddy Lundy of Texas, Shelia Hinkley of Florida, Donna Lilly of Florida, Carole Devlin of Wakefield, Mass., Gail Willette of Florida, Gina James of Texas; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours will be held 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where a funeral service with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Friday. Burial will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the New Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.