Vernon Leon Gordon

Vern passed away peacefully on January 9, 2014 in Cottonwood Court Memory Care, Fresno, CA. He was 85 years old. He was born on June 10, 1928 in Bixby, Oklahoma to Alva Edward and Grace Adney Gordon. He was one of six boys.

He came to California in 1943, where he worked baling hay at night, at the cotton gin, at a service station and driving a gasoline tanker. His love of driving never ended and he mourned the day the keys were taken away. He married Flora Mae Reece in 1949. He began farming in 1950 and retired in 2000.

Vernon served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps in 1953 and 1954, and served in the Korean War. He was baptized on December 12, 1956 at Tranquillity Methodist Church, where he was a member for 58 years.

He served as Grand Master of Masons in California and Hawaii in 1980. In 1992, he was Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in California. He was a member Emeritus of the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay.

Vernon and Mae loved spending time at their place in Paradise Park. He spent hours in his garage woodworking birdhouses and various other things. He loved to cook, bake and entertain. He especially loved to share a joke or story.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill.

He is survived by his loving wife Mae, of 64 years, daughter Sarah D. Jones, "son" Donald Jones, and granddaughter Caitlin D. Rogers; son David Gordon and grandson David Vernon Reece Gordon. In addition, brothers Sid Gordon, Dick Gordon, Tracy Gordon and Ray Gordon, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Fresno Scottish Rite Temple located at 1455 "L" Street. Fresno, CA, 93721.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the following: Fresno Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center 1455 "L" Street Fresno, CA 93721; Tranquillity First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 425 Tranquillity, CA 93668; or Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California P.O. Box 3438 Pinedale, CA 93650.