DONALD R. “DON” GORDON, 88, of Normal, Ill., passed away at 4:02 PM on Friday, February 14, 2014, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, Ill.

His memorial service was February 20, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Ill., with Pastor Brian W. Goke officiating. Military rites accorded at the church by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Inurnment was at St. John's Lutheran Church Columbarium, Bloomington Ill. Visitation was February 19, 2014, at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, Ill. The family suggests memorials be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Ill., or the Community Cancer Center, Normal, Ill.

Don was born July 27, 1925 in Lake Mills, Iowa, the son of Otis and Clara Savre Gordon. He married Ruth C. Bartels on December 23, 1960, in Rodenberg, Ill. She survives.

Also surviving are three Children, Bill Gordon, Arizona; David (Jean) Gordon, Geneva, Ill.; Jim Gordon, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Kelly Gordon, Geneva, Ill.; Kevin Gordon, Geneva, Ill. He is preceded in death by his parents, nine brothers and sisters.

Don graduated from Lake Mills High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Don graduated from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, in 1950. He attended Law School at night and graduated in 1961 at Kent College of Law, Chicago, Ill. Don worked for Country Companies, Bloomington, Ill., for 39 years as Claims Attorney. Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Don is a member of Golden K Kiwanis, he was a former member of the Normal Lions Club and other civic organizations. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, serving on the Church Council, Sunday School Superintendent, usher and started Kaffeehuset.