Obituary of Gordon LaForte

Coffeyville - Gordon F. LaForte, 75, of Coffeyville passed away Friday, May 10, 2013 at his home. He was born March 31, 1938 at Coffeyville to Henry Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Roberts) Laforte. Gordon grew up and attended school in Coffeyville graduating from Field Kindley High School. Following high school Gordon joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. He retired for the U.S. Navy in 1975. After his retirement he lived in Missouri until returning to Coffeyville in 1995. On July 19, 1996 he married Louise (Avery) Jarman at Coffeyville. Following their marriage they continued to make their home in Coffeyville. Gordon was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022, and American Legion Post #20, he also was a former member of Sertoma. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, bow hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Louise of the home; one sone, Charles LaForte of Coffeyville; two daughters, Cheryl Ferrel of Beaver Creek, OH, and Cyndi Featherstone of Houston, TX; three step-daughters, Tina Taylor of Dearing, Kim Swigart of Coffeyville, and Sheila Wright of Coffeyville; one brother Wilfred LaForte of Coffeyville; two sisters, Bea Cox of Claremore, OK, and Sharon Coons of Coffeyville; fifteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son Joe Wisely; three brothers, Tom LaForte, Jim LaForte, and Bill McCullough; and four sisters, Alice Rains, Wilma Wright, and Zilla Kastler, and Rosalea LaForte. A Graveside Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Fairview Cemetery Veterans Memorial Patio in Coffeyville, with Military Honors conducted by V.F.W. Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20. Following Gordon's wishes cremation has taken place. The family suggests memorials to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022; contributions may be left with the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.