Obituary for Thomas W. Gordon
Thomas W. Gordon died Tuesday, May 05, 2020. He was born July 1, 1923, the son of Alvin and Pearl (Stombaugh) Gordon. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife of 69 years, Betty (Bloom), his son-in-law, John (Ben) Adams, and his brother, Milford Gordon. He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Gordon) Adams, Ebensburg, and his son & wife, Thomas (Tim) and Joyce Gordon, Meyersdale. His five grandchildren, Robert (Sallie) Adams, Pittsburgh, Robyn Adams, New Cumberland, Ryan (Carol) Adams, Johnstown, Rebecca (John) Jordan, Leesburg, VA, and Matthew Gordon, Nanty Glo, PA. His six great-grandchildren are Shannon (Adams) (Ben) Schultz, R.J. and Jacob Adams, and Johnny, Madison, and Sarah Jordan. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Burket, and his sister-in-law, Margaret Gordon.
Tom was a strong leader, a man of integrity, and a sound servant of God. At age 14, he took his dad’s car to rescue the injured and dead from the Solomon Mine Explosion. When Tom was 16, his father became ill, so he quit school to work full time and support the family. He served in WWII in the Army as a Staff Sargent stationed in Texas. Tom was a skilled marksman; he taught soldiers being shipped overseas how to shoot and handle a gun. He was a machinist at Bethlehem Steel and Leman’s Machine Shop. In his late forties, Tom received the call to the ministry. He completed his GED and continued to study to become a certified United Methodist Lay Pastor. His charges included La Jose UM Church in Mahaffey, Wilmore, Lilly, and Cresson UM Churches. Tom’s passion and dedication to spreading the Gospel helped sow many seeds for people to follow Jesus.
He and his wife, Betty, were active community members, always willing and eager to help. Tom significantly valued family and often hosted family dinners. He volunteered to help, move, and drive his kids and grandkids; he was present at every life milestone. Until his death, Tom was the oldest living Past Master (’64) of Summit Lodge 312, Free and Accepted Masons. When Tom was not preaching, you could find him and his wife volunteering at the Portage Historical Society. If not there, Tom was at the bowling alley where he bowled a 300 game in his seventies. Up until his stroke in his late eighties, he was the outside custodian for Trinity U.M. Church in Portage. In all life stages, Tom remained extremely enthusiastic about helping others. His caring heart and gentle spirit allowed him to be loved by many.
The Jean Kinley Funeral Home is serving the family. Due to COVID-19, the services will be private. Donations may be made in his name to Trinity United Methodist Church, 817 Caldwell Avenue, Portage, PA. 15946. The family also wishes to thank ASERA Care Hospice and the staff at Maple Winds and Autumn View, where Tom resided these past five months.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7; and “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!” 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
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Tom was a strong leader, a man of integrity, and a sound servant of God. At age 14, he took his dad’s car to rescue the injured and dead from the Solomon Mine Explosion. When Tom was 16, his father became ill, so he quit school to work full time and support the family. He served in WWII in the Army as a Staff Sargent stationed in Texas. Tom was a skilled marksman; he taught soldiers being shipped overseas how to shoot and handle a gun. He was a machinist at Bethlehem Steel and Leman’s Machine Shop. In his late forties, Tom received the call to the ministry. He completed his GED and continued to study to become a certified United Methodist Lay Pastor. His charges included La Jose UM Church in Mahaffey, Wilmore, Lilly, and Cresson UM Churches. Tom’s passion and dedication to spreading the Gospel helped sow many seeds for people to follow Jesus.
He and his wife, Betty, were active community members, always willing and eager to help. Tom significantly valued family and often hosted family dinners. He volunteered to help, move, and drive his kids and grandkids; he was present at every life milestone. Until his death, Tom was the oldest living Past Master (’64) of Summit Lodge 312, Free and Accepted Masons. When Tom was not preaching, you could find him and his wife volunteering at the Portage Historical Society. If not there, Tom was at the bowling alley where he bowled a 300 game in his seventies. Up until his stroke in his late eighties, he was the outside custodian for Trinity U.M. Church in Portage. In all life stages, Tom remained extremely enthusiastic about helping others. His caring heart and gentle spirit allowed him to be loved by many.
The Jean Kinley Funeral Home is serving the family. Due to COVID-19, the services will be private. Donations may be made in his name to Trinity United Methodist Church, 817 Caldwell Avenue, Portage, PA. 15946. The family also wishes to thank ASERA Care Hospice and the staff at Maple Winds and Autumn View, where Tom resided these past five months.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7; and “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!” 2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
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