Frank Helton Gordon Jr.

Frank Helton "Buddy" Gordon Jr. On September 5, 2008, Bedford lost one of its most loved native sons. Frank Helton Gordon, Jr., better known as "Buddy" passed away at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He fought a brief but valiant fight against Leukemia. Buddy was born on Friday, March 29, 1929 to Eva Frances Burnette Gordon and Frank Helton Gordon, Sr., who preceded him in death. Buddy served in the U. S. Army from 1951 1953. He was a member of the Special Forces and was stationed in Germany. While there he was a medic and member of both football and baseball teams which provided entertainment for their fellow troops. Shortly after his return, Buddy was named the Director at Recreation for Bedford City and County. His passion for sports and children made him a perfect choice. His goal was to instill in the children of Bedford a love of sports and sportsmanship. The Dixie Youth Baseball Program was introduced during his tenure. As a result, many youth of the county were able to participate in summer baseball and to play on the local, state and national levels. Many other youth and adult sports programs evolved during his time with the department. Buddy committee countless hours to the development and maintenance of the fields in Bedford, which are still enjoyed today. Eventually, Buddy joined CMT Sporting Goods where he managed their Lynchburg store until his retirement. People often ask, "What is a Hokie?" To this we say, "Buddy Gordon"! He was a loyal Hokie for most of his life, through thick and thin. He was a Hokie Club Representative for decades. He truly loved Virginia Tech and passed on his enthusiasm to both his children and grandchildren.
Buddy is survived by his wife and best friend of fifty-seven years, Catherine Varner Gordon. He is also survived by his children, Robin G. Stowell and husband, Mark, Barry A. Gordon and wife, Terri and Laura G. Baudendistel and husband, Jay. He was blessed with ten grandchildren, including Cynthia, Justin and Ashley Stowell, Hunter and Allie Gordon, and Peter, Caitlin, Audrey, Gretchen and Ava Baudendistel. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Recknor and husband, Carl; and many nieces and nephews.
The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider The Bedford Hospice House, P. O. Box 985, Bedford, VA 24253 or The Leukemia Society of America, 2101 Executive Drive, Hampton, VA 23666. A service of celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Bedford Baptist Church, where he had been a member for many years, with the Rev. Dr. David Henderson officiating. Interment, with military honors by American Legion Post # 16 will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday, September 8, 2008 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.