Howard E. Gordon

Longtime Meadville resident Howard Eugene Gordon completed a long, happy life at age 87 on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at North Kansas City Hospital. He was born on the family farm south of Rothville, MO., on Dec. 13, 1924, the only son of Velma Rice Gordon and Willie Harrel Gordon. He was raised to be a grain and livestock farmer like his father, and attended country school, graduating from Rothville High School in 1942. He was an outstanding baseball player, and got an invitation to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals organization after he finished high school. But World War Two interceded. Howard wanted to enlist in the Army Air Force, seeking to be an aerial gunnery instructor. But while he was in line at the Kansas City induction center, the center's Army quota was met. He and fellow recruits were informed on the spot that they were joining the Navy. Howard volunteered for the Patrol Torpedo squadrons, graduated from Gunnery School and boat training in Seattle, WA., and deployed to the South Pacific. A Gunner's Mate 3rd Class, he served in the Philippines through the end of the war. In 1944, his PT boat took part in two of the largest naval battles in history, the Battle of Philippine Sea, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He mustered out on May 7, 1946 in St. Louis. While awaiting processing, he was selected to be the American Flag bearer for pregame ceremonies on the field at the St. Louis Cardinals' 1946 home opener at Sportsman's Park. Howard returned home and farmed with his father for a short time on the home place. On Sept. 7, 1946, he married Frances Lee George at the bride's family home at Bosworth, MO. They set up household in Brookfield, MO., where both were employed at Brown Shoe; she in the office, and he as a floor supervisor. Howard next went to work as a salesman for Standard Oil Co. The couple moved to St. Joseph, where, in 1953, they were blessed with the arrival of a daughter, Shelley Joan. They later moved for a time to Excelsior Springs. In 1955, the family moved to Meadville, where Howard took over a Standard Oil tankwagon service from Toad Collis. In 1959, he and Fran became happy parents of a son, Scott Lindsay. Howard worked in fuel sales and distribution in Meadville for 58 years, representing Standard, Skelly, Getty, and most recently, MFA Oil Co. Howard also was a skilled and sought-after carpenter and cabinetmaker, working freelance and also with Raymond Caselman and Harold Lee for many years. From 1969 until 1992, was city clerk and then mayor of Meadville. And he served for decades on the volunteer fire department. In December 2008, he reluctantly retired from the MFA tankwagon service, having logged over a million accident-free local miles with flammable liquids. Howard was a sportsman in the classic sense of the word. He was a dedicated duck, goose, quail and deer hunter and a skilled fisherman. For many years, he raised and hunted outstanding Brittany spaniel and German shorthair quail dogs. He led the family on annual summer fishing vacations at Lake of the Woods in Minnesota. In younger years, he pitched for various teams in town baseball leagues, having a nearly unhittable knuckleball. He was a deadly shot with shotgun and rifle, and an enthusiastic clay target shooter. A few months ago, nearing his 87th birthday, he hit 50 out of 50 clay targets at Bosco's shooting range in Lancaster, MO. Howard loved Cardinals, Royals and Mudcats baseball, and KU basketball. He was a Third Degree Mason, a 50-plus year member of Williams-DeMoss Legion Post 517, and was a fixture in community life in Meadville. He was a friend to everyone he met, and few worthy causes went without his support. He taught himself to be a top-notch amateur cook and baker, and relished the chance to share baked goodies with family and friends. He loved playing Pitch with his friends each morning at Holcer's coffee nook. Most of all, Howard loved and doted on his family, and provided a constant guiding hand for them as patriarch of the clan. And his consistent cheerfulness and vitality -- even in old age -- were an inspiration to his family and hundreds of friends and customers. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife, Fran, on Jan. 17, 1994. Survivors include two sisters, Helen Findley, Tucson, AZ.; and Doris Kadel, Montezuma, IA.; daughter Shelley Gordon Tate and husband, Steve, of Chillicothe, MO.; son, Scott, and wife, Jessica, of Columbia, MO.; five grandchildren: Kristin Tate Rennels and husband, Matt, of Lawrence, KS.; Laura Gordon Stewart and husband, Chuck, of New London, MO.; Erin Tate, of Liberty, MO.; Sarah Gordon, Nashville, TN.; and Michael Tate, Kansas City, KS. three step-grandchildren, Rachel Lipanovich Winchell and husband, Stephen, of Annapolis, MD.; Mariah Lipanovich, Arlington, VA.; and Jake Lipanovich and wife, Erica, of Springfield, MO.; and two great-granddaughters, Macy Caroline and Alice Pearl Stewart, of New London, MO. A celebration of Howard's life will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Lindley Funeral Homes, Chillicothe. Family and friends will be asked to share memories and stories about Howard. Friends may call from 12 to 9 p.m. Friday at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Howard Gordon Memorial Ducks Unlimited Scholarship, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo.