Louis Benjamin Gorden

Louis Benjamin Gorden, 93, of Bolivar passed quietly from this life Monday morning, June 11, 2012 at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility in Bolivar, Missouri. He was born October 13, 1918 in Halfway, Missouri, the son of Wilby O. Gorden and Rosa LeJeune Gorden. Louis grew up in the Halfway community. He was saved in 1932 at Schofield Missionary Baptist Church. Louis joined the Schofield Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a member for 80 years until his death. He was a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher and deacon. His favorite scriptures were from the book of Ecclesiastes. Following graduation from Halfway High School in 1937, Louis attended Draughon’s Business School in Springfield, MO. Louis married his high school sweetheart, Faye Jones on November 23 , 1940. One son, Ben Gorden was born to this union. Faye passed away February 21, 1990. They were married just short of 50 years. Immediately after he and Faye were married he became the director for the local USDA office, currently known as the FSA office. He was drafted into the military in November, 1942. Louis served 3 years in the United States Air Force. Most of that was spent as a radio operator in Greenland and the Azores. Many of his favorite stories were about his experiences in the military. After his return from the war in December, 1945; he and Faye made their home on a family farm southeast of Halfway in the Schofield community. They ran a dairy farm and later a beef operation. The farm was designated as a Century Farm having originated in 1839. The beef farm continues to be operated today by the sixth and seventh generations of Gordens. Louis was a member of the Halfway Lions Club for a number of years. He worked at Polk County Bank for 15 years. Louis served as a Vice President and Loan Officer. Following his retirement from the bank, he and Faye traveled throughout the United States. In September of 1990, Louis married Vera Mae Quick Farmer. They soon moved to Bolivar. They loved to visit with friends and neighbors and gardening. They spent many hours playing dominos and cards. Louis was preceded in death by his wife Faye, his father and mother, Wilby and Rosa and by his sister Geniece Voris. He is survived by his wife Vera Mae of Bolivar, his son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Karen Gorden of Halfway. He is also survived by his step children; Tom and Brenda Mundinger of Overland Park, Kansas; Darrell and Michelle Farmer of DesMoines, IA; Jim and Joyce Smith of Mountain Home , AR; and Pete and Cheryl McDonald of Shawnee Mission, KS; his granddaughter and husband, Christa and Travis Rowland and their children; Baylen, Katie, Emma and Kassidy, of Bolivar; his grandson and wife, Brian and Shari Gorden of Halfway. Also surviving him are 8 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren , several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Louis loved to garden and shared his crop with his neighbors and friends. He loved to tell and retell stories and visit with family and friends. Louis will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Thursday morning, June 14, 2012 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Brother Jerry Crain officiating. Musical selections will be "At The Cross", "Beyond The Sunset" and "Peace In The Valley" sung by the Schofield, Calvary and Southside Missionary Baptist Church Choirs. Diane Crain will play the piano for the choirs. Burial will follow at Schofield Cemetery just South of Halfway, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday evening at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Pallbearers will be Dean Voris, Jerry Voris, Larry Voris, Ken Legan, John Rickman and Darrell Farmer. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Schofield Missionary Baptist Church or to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church c/o the Butler Funeral Home, 407 E. Broadway, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Louis Benjamin Gorden

October 13, 1918 - June 11, 2012