Donald George GordonJuly 31, 1924 - February 03, 2017VisaliaDonald G. Gordon passed away on February 3, 2017. Don was born on July 31, 1924 to Glenn and Ruth Gordon in Urbana, Illinois. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Force on July 7, 1943. During basic training in California, he met his first wife, Norma Hart from Fresno. Prior to shipping out, they were married in Tonopah, Nevada. During the war, Don served as a bombardier on a B-24, flying 13 missions over Italy from September 2, 1944 to November 24, 1945. He attained the rank of Second Lieutenant and was awarded an ETO service ribbon with
bronze stars. During battle, Don witnessed many planes in his squadron shot down, but fate saved him for the field of accounting.After the war, Don and Norma returned to Urbana, where he attended the
University of Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. After graduation, they moved to Hanford, California to begin his accounting career with Raymond Wiltshire, CPA. On February 1, 1950, their only child, Don Jr. was born. Don was soon re-located to Coalinga to manage the branch office. In 1963 the family moved to Visalia where Don joined a CPA firm in partnership with Richard Artis and Charles Southard. Their firm eventually merged with M. Green, CPAS. Don took great pride in the accounting and tax services he provided clients up until his retirement in 2005.Don had three primary passions, his second wife, Rosemary, tennis and his alma mater. He and Rosemary were married in 1974. She was his true love, "soul mate" and dedicated caregiver (during the last few years of his life.) As a member of the Visalia Racquet Club, he enjoyed playing competitive tennis with friends. He also saved his university's rooter's beanie and "Big I" sweater in the hope that the Fighting Illini would some day win the Rose Bowl.Don is survived by Rosemary Gordon; son, Don Jr. (Jennifer); stepson Mark; stepdaughters Rickie (Eric) and Cindy; and granddaughter Piper; and sisters, Betty Wood and Mary Woods. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruth Gordon; brother, Glenn Gordon Jr.; and sisters, Jan Rutan and Jean Boresi.A memorial service is scheduled at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 9, 2017 at the Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 West Goshen Ave. Afterward; there will be a family only graveside service. In Lieu of flowers, you may donate to Kaweah Delta Hospice, 623 W. Willow Street, Visalia, Ca., 93291 or to a .Tributes and condolences may be made at
www.millerchapel.com.
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