Fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, Mr. Donald William Gordon of Blue Springs, MO died September 19, 2017. He was born in Rushville, MO on May 22, 1928 and lived most of his adult life in Independence, MO. He is survived by six children: William (and Noriko) Gordon of Cromwell, CT; Rita (and Dr. Timothy R.) Shepherd of Kansas City, KS; Kevin (and Debbie) Gordon of Shawnee, KS; Bruce Gordon of Lee’s Summit, MO; Ronald (and Carolyn) Gordon of Tulsa, OK and Brett (and Jill) Gordon of Lee’s Summit, MO and five grandchildren: Amanda Lawson, Mitchell, Brian, Marie and Matthew Gordon. Also surviving are his sisters Alice Pritchett, Lucille (and Kenneth) Jennings and Virginia (and Marion) Hall, his brothers Bland (and Wanda) Gordon and David (and Cassie) Gordon. Mr. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Ruth Ann Gordon, a son Brian Patrick Gordon in 1965, and his parents William and Oleta Gordon.
Visitation beginning with the Rosary will be at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 8:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM celebrated by his nephew Rev. Thomas M. Haake OMV and Rev. Joe Powers. Interment will follow at St. Columba cemetery by the abbey in Conception, MO.
Mr. Gordon attended grade school in Rushville and Elm Springs, MO and attended Holden High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War (1950-52) and received commendation medals for his service and a combat infantry badge. He attended banking school and worked as a bank teller at several banks in the Kansas City area. He also held part time jobs in the evenings including many years at Starlight Theater. He enjoyed the daily interaction with people from all walks of life. His time with family, however, was the treasure of his days. In retirement, he also was able to more fully explore his interests. He was an avid tennis player who enjoyed many hours playing the game with friends and family. He was a huge fan of the Kansas City Royals and loved to talk baseball, always quick to offer his suggestions on how to get the team out of any slumps.
Mr. Gordon found the love of his life, Ruth Ann, in 1955. He repeatedly expressed how lucky he was to find her and to have 61 years together. He found happiness with her in life even when their health was declining. Nursing home workers remarked at how Don’s face lit up when Ruth entered the room. After Ruth passed away earlier this year, he displayed confidence that she was with the Lord and that she would continue to pray for him and all of us so that we can share in that same heavenly reward.
Special thanks to the staff at Saint Mary’s Manor who eased Don’s transition to his eternal resting place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Independence, MO or Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO.