Edwin R Gordon

Edwin R. Gordon, 97, passed away October 8, 2017, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Ed was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on March 8, 1920, to the late Magdeline and Edwin Gordon. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. During World War II, Ed was a Lt. Junior Grade in the US Navy, and captained the USS APc-23, a small costal transport. Upon returning to the US, he attended and graduated from Hanover College where he was a proud Sigma Chi. He married Virginia Beesley in 1948 and began a career in graphic art sales in Chicago. After retirement, Ed and Beez moved to Champaign and joined 1st Presbyterian Church of Urbana. Ed was a regular member of the men’s coffee group at the Stevick Center and a long-time driver for Enterprise.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Joyce Gordon. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Virginia (Beez) and his four children, Leslie (Mike Meinzer) of Lincoln, Nebraska; Melissa of Columbus, Ohio; and Jeff and Gregg of Champaign. Also surviving are his grandchildren Chris Thompson, Omaha, Nebraska; Lianne (John) Rash, Flatville, Illinois; Michael (Heather) Thompson, Omaha, Nebraska; Seth (Jessica) Wilde, Chicago, Illinois; Courtney Wilde, San Francisco, California; Ben Gordon, Davis, California; and Nick (Kalin) Gordon, Champaign, Illinois, and six great-grandchildren, Colin and Kieran Thompson, Omaha, Nebraska; Airin and Alea Rash, Flatville, Illinois; and Keala and Neva Thompson, Omaha, Nebraska. Ed was one of the sweetest and kindest men you could ever meet. Rest in peace.

The family would like to thank the Acute Care staff at Carle Hospital (7B) for their gentle and loving care. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 12, at 11 a.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church of Urbana. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 1st Presbyterian Church of Urbana, 602 West Green, Urbana, Illinois 61801, or Family Service Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, 15 East Main Street, Champaign 61820.