Obituary of Melvin Gordon

Coffeyville - Melvin Carl Gordon, 68, of Coffeyville, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011 at his home. He was born April 1, 1943 at Independence, KS to Vernon E. and Ruth (Stair) Gordon. Melvin grew up in the Independence area where he attended school, graduating from Independence High School in 1961, and Independence Community College in 1963, before attending Pittsburg State University where he received his Bachelors Degree in 1965. On December 27, 1963 he married Carol Ann Schlecht at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Following their marriage they lived in Pittsburg while Melvin completed his degree, after graduation they returned to Coffeyville where he worked began working at Farmland Refinery, starting in the Vacuum Unit, later becoming Foreman on the Coker Unit, Boiler Maker Foreman, Maintenance Supervisor and was New Construction Coordinator when he retired after 40 years of employment. Throughout his career at Farmland Melvin farmed and raised cattle. After his retirement he started his farming and cattle business full time. Melvin loved the time he spend working and caring for the land, his cattle and helping his neighbors and friends. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #991, Farm Service Agency County Committee, Montgomery County Extension Council Executive Board, and Kansas Livestock Assoc., and was a longtime 4-H Leader. Survivors include his wife, Carol of the home; three sons, Scott Gordon and wife Lane of Coffeyville, Todd Gordon and wife Darlene of Brookfield, MO, and Mark Gordon and wife Michelle of Oxford, MI; three brothers, Eldon Gordon of Caddo Mills, TX, Kenneth Gordon of Pitsburg, KS, and Dale Gordon of Carl Junction, MO; one sister, Carol Sanders of Caney; and thirteen grandchildren. A Rosary Vigil Service will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2011 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ben Nguyen officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemete Friends may call on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville The family suggests memorials to Holy Name School or Montgomery County 4-H Foundation; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W, Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Ks 67337.