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John Gordon Obituary
(Marrs) Gordon
John Thomas (Marrs) Gordon died unexpectedly on May 12, 2013 following knee surgery. He was born March 30, 1945 in Los Angeles to Mildred Marrs and George Gordon. He graduated from El Segundo High School in 1963, receiving an award for perfect attendance all four years. He played football, baseball and basketball, but football was his favorite. John served honorably as corporal (E-4) in the United States Marine Corps from 1963-1966 as a radio repair man. While in the Corp, he received the Rifle Expert Badge and National Defense Service Medal. John loved all things Marine and was proud to have served his country. He was one of those Veterans who stood with his hand over his heart and still cried when he heard "The Star Spangled Banner". Every year, John celebrated the Marine Corp birthday on November 10. He graduated from College of the Sequoias with an Associate of Arts degree in 1972 (while still playing football), then went on to graduate from California State Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Science in public administration in 1977. John joined the Redondo Beach Police Department in 1970 and ultimately obtained the rank of sergeant. He proudly worked there until 2000. He served as range master, SWAT commander, honor guard member, "Officer of the Year" and was a past president of the police officers association. John was assigned to a Redondo Pier detail, where he was shot in a gun battle with a dangerous felon and received the Medal of Valor in 1982. John received a Life Saving Award in 1998. John also received the Meritorious Service Award from Redondo Beach Police Department. His last assignment before retirement was to the pier detail again. He loved working with the businesses on the pier, walking in the fresh air, looking at the beautiful ocean and, yes, the sunbathers too. Upon retirement, he worked part time for Platinum Protection Group in private security. In his spare time, he enjoyed bike riding, playing golf with his friends, visiting his grandchildren, and the occasional trip to Laughlin or Las Vegas to play "Let It Ride". He was an avid sports fan, and had every possible sports channel on his television. John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marcia Gordon; his daughter, Alison and her husband, Gregg Melton; his son Matthew Gordon and his wife Darci; his stepson John Lenahan and his wife Virginia; and stepdaughter Kris Lenahan. He is also survived by his grandchildren Grant Gordon, Carli Gordon, Abigail Melton and Audrey Lenahan. Celebration of life and memorial services will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Semper Fi Fund in honor of John Gordon at https://semperfifund.org/donate. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits and presstelegram.com Semper Fi and God Speed
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Donna Huckeba
May 16, 2024
John Gordon was my uncle on my Father´s side. I only met him one time when him and his wife visited Las Vegas where I currently live. I was working at the Stardust at the time. We all went to dinner that evening to try to get to know each other. He was a very gracious man with a kind demeanor about him. I wish I could have known him better. He talked about his kids and how proud he was of them. I was heartbroken when I had heard he had passed away at such a young age. I thank God for the short time we had together. Love you Uncle John
Alison
November 19, 2022
I miss you dad!
John, on the wings of angels, Saint Michael protect him and comfort his friends and family...
Tom Hyde
May 16, 2020
Friend and mentor. John was one of the finest friends and police officers I have ever had the privilege of knowing. John lives on in my thoughts.
February 9, 2018
My name is Donna Marrs Huckeba. John was my uncle . I met him and his wife one time when he came to Las Vegas. I have lived in Las Vegas since 1990. I think it was 1991 or 1992 when John met me for dinner at my work which was at the Stardust hotel. It was the one and only time I had ever seen my uncle. I remember him telling me I looked like my dad Wilson.
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Ashley Redd
February 9, 2018
I never met him but John was my uncle my dad was Wilson marrs Jr I was hoping. To meet john some day in sadden by his lost. I just found out to his. Family and friends sorry for ur lose
Jan Peterson
May 5, 2016
I can't believe that we are coming up on 3 years. I remember where I was standing when I got the call. I will never be able to figure out why we lose so many wonderful people in our lives, way to soon. John there will always be a place in my heart for you and I have so many wonderful memories of shenanigans.........Mostly mine! Rest in Peace Sweet Johnny and know that you are loved and missed everyday...
Success
Tom Hyde
May 5, 2016
John,
Working with you through the years, being neighbors and personal friends was a rewarding experience. Marcia, I am truly sorry for your loss.
John, your life although cut short was a success as defined by Emmerson -
Had a great time with John up there in Humboldt hacking & stackin Marijuana. best doggone sergeant I ever worked with and for...he will love forever
Mike Higashi
May 5, 2016
Sandi Chandler (Kauffman )
May 5, 2016
Love you still so hard to belive that your gone. You are so missed by so many people you were a wonderful friend I'm in my chair right now with having knee replaced too
John Freeman
July 26, 2013
John, you were one of a kind and a crack shot. You will be missed
Dawna Myers
June 13, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of John's early passing, He was a great guy to work with.....a terrific leader, mentor and friend.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Kathy Cooper Hansen
June 1, 2013
John was an amazing person. I feel honored to have been part of his life. My heart goes out to Marcia who lost him far too soon!
Marcia Gordon
May 29, 2013
I was finally feeling up to doing the on line banking tonight, and found the debit from Ralph's the day before I lost you where you said you were craving a bologna sandwich. I had not even marked it out of the checkbook and yet you are gone. I light this candle so you know I will always be thinking about you.
Rick Paap
May 28, 2013
I never worked with John Gordon while he was with Redondo Beach PD but I know he was very well respected and he had accomplished so much in his career!! RIP my friend! Marcia I'm very sorry for your loss.
Frank Feher
May 28, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's untimely passing. I enjoyed working with the Sarge for 17 years as an RBPD reserve officer. He was always encouraging and I deeply respected him. Watching him in action I always considered him to be the police officer that others should strive to be like. John was truly respected by many and will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his family.
Bob Foy
May 24, 2013
John Thomas Gordon and I attended college part time because we both had family and careers. He was one of the finest people I am privileged to have know. Consummate family and professional man. My deepest sympathy to all his beloved family and friends. He was a total class act. Once you met John you could not ever forget him. RIP my dear and loyal friend. Until we all meet again as our Lord has told us, your friend, Bob.Foy, Tucson AZ.
Mike Farrell (LAPD ret)
May 24, 2013
Godspeed Sergeant Gordon.
dick lenahan
May 24, 2013
It's men like Mr Gordon that makes our country safe.....thank you sir.... condolences to your family and god bless
Lonnie & Carol Brosnikoff
May 24, 2013
Marcia, We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sincere condolences to you and family.
May 24, 2013
thank you sir for all your service,god bless you and your family
B M
May 23, 2013
Great guy. I was with some friends one late night near the pier as an "under age youth" holding Red Solo Cups. Felt a tap on the my shoulder, turned around, all he said was " Pour it out"
Lori Hentcy
May 23, 2013
Craig and I were blessed to have known John. He was someone we truly respected and looked up to. Marcia, we are here for you always. I will forever miss John's parting words every time we would get together-"see you next time." Well done good and faithful servant
Judy Patrick
May 23, 2013
John and I used to walk to school together. He was one of the nicest kids I have ever known. I can totally see him in law enforcement. It makes total sense. So sorry for his family. He will be missed by many many people. I can't ever forget what a nice person he was. Judy Eagens Patrick "63"
May 23, 2013
I knew John almost all my life in El Segundo. All through school. He was as fine a person as you would ever want to know. I will miss John and so will all his friends and Class Mates of the Class of 1963. I will say a prayer for you John. May God be with you always.
Ron Cuzick
May 23, 2013
I did not know Mr. Gordon but after reading, I felt I had to give my condolences to the family of this brave man. My heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. God Bless.
Gail Harris
May 23, 2013
Marcia and family - so sorry to hear of your loss. John was a good man. Sending you my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to give you strength during this tough time.
Jerry Douglas
May 23, 2013
My deepest condolences to John's family, a good man, one of the best. He always treated me with respect and dignity. He will be missed greatly.
Tim Vaughn
May 23, 2013
Well done John.
Barbara Brodie Myers
May 22, 2013
I was in the class of 1963 with John, I remember his being interested in what was happening and being a fun to talk with, Kind Wishes for his family, Barbara
May 22, 2013
John will be greatly missed by all those who had the priviledge of knowing him. He was truly a stand-up guy. His laughter and zest for life was like no other. Marcia...if you need anything, we're here. Sending our deepest heart-felt sympathy to the entire Gordon family and extended family. Love and prayers, Bob and Barb Tapp
John Telfair
May 22, 2013
I was in the class of '63 with John. He loved his sports and was very involved in student government. My best to his family.
Lee Jenkins
May 22, 2013
My best memory of John was his personality and how easy and fun he was to be around. I will miss his love of life
Susan Kienle
May 22, 2013
I remember when you were attending the Police Academy in LA. We were proud of you when you started working for the RBPD. Our family was safe living in RB.
Susan Waters
May 22, 2013
I loved working with John, everyone loved him. He will truly be missed! God Bless his family.
Judy Bader
May 22, 2013
I was so looking forward to seeing John at our 50th reunion, I have wonderful memories growing up. May your family find comfort in all your beautiful memories of such a wonderful man. Judy Wooding Bader
Peggy Callenberger
May 22, 2013
Sgt. Gordon was pivotal in my hire to RPBD. He was a role model, an outstanding leader, and a true cop. I carry many life lessons he taught me. He could take a joke (yes it was me that put a fish in your patrol car at the pier) and he always had your back.
God rest your soul and comfort your family.
Sandy Cox
May 22, 2013
Sarge,
The BEST part of my RBPD family was "The Pier" with you and the boys. Your leadership, was Strong, Fair & Kind. When you hired me and I said, Thank You! You said, with a Big smile, "I had to hire you so you'd stop calling me!" I loved the way you love Marcia, "your Bride" as u would refer her to me. I was so blessed to have known you and call you My Friend. My Love and prayers to Marcia and your family.
Diane Goldstein
May 22, 2013
I still have many memories of John, both as a supervisor and a role model. He was a man that lived his life centered on his values, his love for his family, and his country. You will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy for your loss at this difficult time.
Tony and Nicole Movera
May 22, 2013
It has been a pleasure knowing John as a neighbor and a friend. He was always there to lend a helping hand and to talk whenever we needed him. The neighborhood will never be the same and he will be truly missed. Our prayers are with Marcia and the family. Love, Tony, Nicole, Justin, and Lauren Movera
Sandra ( formerly RBPD Dispatch) (Lehr) Jaramillo
May 22, 2013
Sarge,
I will always remember your awesome leadership, your strong support off all employees both civilian and sworn, for having my back when I made mistakes, for re-directing me with support and follow thru. For the laughter to the point of tears, for being a wonderful person. Until we meet again, please watch over all us ;)
Scott Weibel
May 22, 2013
Sarge, you had a positive impact on more officers than you ever knew. You lead by example everyday, something that we are truly missing these days. Gods speed to you and I know you are still watching over your troops down here. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
May 22, 2013
Well done. Thank you for your service.
John Huntington
Rodney Tanaka
May 22, 2013
John was a really great guy and respected policeman. He will truly be missed...God bless the family during this time of loss and sadness.
Tom MacIsaac
May 22, 2013
John was a man of true character and solid values. One of the best, who did it his way!
Trudy Johns
May 22, 2013
I am honored to have known you at RBPD. May special memories of your life bring your family and friends quiet comfort when needed. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Kris Lenahan
May 22, 2013
John was a wonderful, loyal, and kind hearted man. I am grateful to have had him as my stepfather and as a loving partner to my mom for the past 25 years. It always made me feel so secure and happy knowing my mom had John by her side. Thank you for taking such good care of my mom and for loving her so well. I will miss you John Gordon, as will so many other lives that were blessed enough to have you in them.
Brad Holmes
May 22, 2013
John was one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. John, you are one of The Good Guys! You will be greatly missed!!!
Dee Merrell
May 22, 2013
You are in my thoughts & prayers. Love, Dee
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