Vernon Louis Gordon

Vernon Louis Gordon, 75, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away on September 24, 2023 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

He was born on February 25, 1948 to Raymond and Freida (Barnhart) Gordon in Hillsdale, Michigan. He graduated from North Adams High School in 1966 and earned a teaching degree from Spring Arbor College in 1970  with an emphasis in Physical Education.

On December 4, 1971 Vernon married Esther Hall in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

He began his teaching career in 1973 in the State of Illinois at the H. Douglas Singer Zone Center, where he worked with disabled students. He completed his master’s degree at Northern Illinois University in Special Education in Dekalb, Illinois. In 1981, Vernon & Esther moved to Hillsdale County in Michigan where he secured a job with Branch Intermediate School District. He retired in 2007 after 34 years of teaching. While in Hillsdale, he was an active member of the Hillsdale Free Methodist Church and was actively involved with music ministry through leading worship and writing & directing Christmas & Easter cantatas/dramas. He was also involved in youth group activities as well as organizing & fundraising auctions and a community church basketball league. He & Esther also directed and operated the Springwood Country Day School out of their home in Hillsdale, Michigan to provide summer enrichment programs as well as after school tutoring.

After moving to Battle Creek in 1997, he became active in many ways in this community. He volunteered at Lakeview High School for several years helping run a student rewards program as well as being active in Woodland (First Wes) Church, South Side Bible Church, and Battle Creek Community Church.

Vernon's greatest joy and passion in life was his family. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his wife, his sons, his daughters-in-law, and his six grandchildren whom he loved dearly. His other passion was to provide financial assistance for home remodeling projects or automotive repairs to those who were in need.

He had a beautiful tenor voice and he, along with his wife and sons, traveled to churches through the late 70’s and early 80’s to serve congregations through their music ministry. Vernon was an avid Detroit & University of Michigan sports fan. He enjoyed woodworking, home projects, and helping his boys with anything around their homes. Vernon will be fondly missed by everyone who knew him. He will always be remembered for his gracious, giving heart and always putting others before himself.

His life reflected his firm belief that helping others would “bring you the greatest joy in life.”

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Esther, his two sons, Lane (Mindy) Gordon of Battle Creek, Michigan and Kenneth (Tammy) Gordon of Battle Creek, Michigan; his grandchildren, Faith Elizabeth, Lilly Anne, Ava Joy, William Lane, Colin Matthew and Ezekiel Isaiah Djoulensky and his brother, Walter "Rick" (Phyllis) Gordon of Hillsdale, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Raymond, Howard, David, Verdon as well as two nephews, Mark Matthew & Alex Dennis.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10:00 am at Woodland Church, 14425 Helmer Rd., Battle Creek, Michigan with his Celebration of Life service following at 12:00 pm at the same location with Pastor Mike Brown & Pastor Bill Case officiating. Burial will take place at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, Michigan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Vernon’s memory may be directed to his favorite charity whose ongoing mission is to provide restored vehicles for those in need:

Rings Ministries

C/O Sunshine Toyota

1381 W Dickman Road

Springfield, MI 49037

For more information, please visit https://ringsministries.com/

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 2838 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.