Obituaries

Ralph Gordon (Veteran)

Photo of Ralph Gordon (Veteran)
Ralph A. Gordon, 90, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born May 3, 1921, in Jefferson City, a son of the late John and Minnie (Stokes) Gordon. He was a 1937 graduate of St. Peter's High School in Jefferson City. On October 5, 1946, Ralph was united in marriage in Meta, to Anna "Maxine" Nacke, who preceded him in death on October 24, 1999. Ralph worked for Stokes Electric for 35 years, and with the Missouri Army National Guard for 31 years, where he spent 10 years full time as Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served in World War II for three and a half years. He also served in the Army Reserves for three years. Ralph was a Funeral Director at Houser-Millard Funeral Home for 22 years. For more than 70 years, Ralph repaired small electrical appliances, lamps and other electrical items for people throughout central Missouri. He is survived by a longtime special friend: Mary Virginia Hemmel of Jefferson City; three sons: Doug Gordon (wife Susan) of Bronxville, N.Y.; David Gordon (wife Michelle) of Kansas City; and Dan Gordon (wife Janet) of Jefferson City; three daughters: Debbie Reeves (husband Larry) of Overland Park, Kan.; Diana Smith of Mission, Kan.; and Donna Sue Tulipana (husband Charles) of Kansas City; one brother: Roy Gordon (wife Ruth) of St. Louis; and 14 grandchildren. Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Fr. Nicholas Reid officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Cathedral of St. Joseph or the Vogelweid Learning Center. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Published February 7, 2012