Richard Walter Gordon

"O Son of Man!
Sorrow not save that thou art far from Us.
Rejoice not save that thou art drawing near and returning unto Us."
- Bahá'u'lláh

Richard Walter Gordon, age 80, of Vandalia, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Born in Springfield, Ohio on January 11, 1943 to the late George and Glendora Gordon, he was one of seven children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Benjamin Joseph Gordon and Thornton Chase Gordon; eldest sister, Edith Lewis; and older brother, Charles "Chuck" Gordon.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Elizabeth "Liz" Gordon; children, Elizabeth (Nathan) Davis, Josef Gordon and Sarah (Josh Shetter) Gordon; grandchildren, Olivia "Ollie" Davis, Elisabeth "Elsie" Davis, Eleanor Davis, Emily Gordon and Margeaux "Maggie" Gordon; siblings, James (Anita) Gordon, Janet (Ladd) Bookwalter, Glenda Houk and Millie (Artie) Welkner; brothers-in-law, John (Nina) Dickerson and William (Nancy) Dickerson; and numerous relatives and Bahá'í friends.

Richard graduated from Wilbur Wright High School in 1961, and served in the U.S. Navy, playing trombone in the CINCPAC Pacific Fleet Band. He attended Miami University before working at Wright State University and then with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2013. He loved music, playing big band with the National Association of Letter Carriers Postal Band, guitar for family and friends, and later in life arranging music for and directing the local Bahá'í choir. Two highlights of his musical life were playing trombone with the orchestra at the Bahá'í World Congress in New York City in 1992 and singing with the Voices of Bahá choir in Europe in 2001.

While stationed with the Navy in Hawai'i, he became a member of the Bahá'í Faith, on July 4, 1963. The teachings of Bahá'u'lláh became the guiding force for the rest of his life. He was active in the Bahá'í community, serving on Local Spiritual Assemblies in Dayton, Beavercreek, and Urbana, Ohio. He especially loved fellowship with the Bahá'í community, and recently enjoyed evening video devotions with friends from around the Miami Valley.

Richard married Elizabeth Dickerson in 1978, and progressed from there. He worked hard to support his family, and was a kind and loving father, uncle, grandfather, and husband.

Richard is remembered by many as a helper. He was always willing to lend a hand and was happiest when he had a handyman project to assist others. In the Bahá'í Writings, one of the noblest stations that one can attain is that of service to others – he was a true servant to humanity.


"O Son of Spirit!
With the joyful tidings of light I hail thee: rejoice!
To the court of holiness I summon thee; abide therein that thou mayest live in peace forevermore."
- Bahá'u'lláh

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45424. The service will follow at 10:30 am. Graveside service will take place at 12pm at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens,11890 N Dixie Drive Tipp City, OH 45371. Reception will immediately following the graveside service American Legion Post 668, 8220 N Dixie Drive Dayton, OH 45414.

Richard's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Return to this site and click the livestream link to view the service. Click Here to view the service.

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