He attended Marshall High School, and afterwards joined the U.S. military in 1952, and was wounded in the Korean Conflict while attached to the 1st Marine Division. After leaving the military for a short time, Gordon re-enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division, and later was among a select group from various airborne units that was used to form the elite 173rd Airborne Brigade (known as ‘Westmoreland’s Fire Brigade’). As a member of the 173rd, his unit was the first U.S. land combat troops to be based in South Vietnam. In June 1965, Gordon was assigned to the U.S. Army Support Command as Communications Chief, advising the armed forces of the Republic of South Vietnam on the use of equipment and tactical operations. In October 1965 he was severely wounded, resulting in his return stateside. Gordon officially retired from the U.S. military in 1972. After his military career, Gordon worked in the oil industry until his retirement in 1989.
During his military service, Gordon was awarded numerous citations, among these the Korean Service Metal with three bronze stars, Combat Infantry Badge, U.N. Service Metal, National Defense Service Metal. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of South Vietnam Presidential Service Metal, Meritorious Unit Citation, two Purple Hearts, and various lesser citations.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, B.F. and Vesta Jones, and son David Jones. He is survived by the love of his life of 71 years, Edith, son Wayne and daughter-in-law Sherry Jones of Oak Ridge North, TX, daughter Judy and son-in-law Ray Clark of Gilmer, TX, daughter Linda Sue and son-in-law Henry Burak of Shreveport, LA., son Mike and daughter-in-law Brandi Jones of Marshall, daughter Teresa and husband Howard Alexander of Marshall, daughter Amy Rhodes of Nottingham, England, seventeen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Gordon will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home - Cemetery & Mausoleum, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler, TX 75704. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler, TX 75704. A graveside will follow at the same address.
