David Richard Gordon

David Richard Gordon, 55, of Springfield, Missouri, was born on January 23rd, 1970, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to John Raymond Gordon and Linda Sue (Miller) Gordon. He passed away peacefully at home on December 31st, 2025, after a hard fought battle with cancer.
David graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri in 1988. He proudly worked at Gordon & Associates as a second generation land surveyor until his father's passing in 2006, then spent many years building and installing pools and spas all around the Ozarks. He also enjoyed doing professional auto detailing in his younger years. He was a very hard worker who took great pride in everything he did.
Dave had many things he was passionate about. He loved collecting, building, and playing guitars, blaring rock music in his Trans Am everywhere he went. The 4th of July was his favorite, and he always went crazy with the fireworks and blowing stuff up. He was a very creative craftsman who loved working with his hands, and dreamed of starting his own business once he beat cancer. He also loved collecting Hot Wheels and coins, and loved to go fishing and hunting. His famous walnut liquor and homemade ice cream were the best. Even in sickness, he was constantly active and busy.
He had a hard exterior, always a badass and raising hell in his life and in his cars. But he was compassionate and loving with a heart of gold, and deeply loved his family and friends. He was the type of person who'd gladly give you the shirt off his back, or give you his last dollar, or tell you a funny story about his past antics when you're sad.
He fiercely loved his five sons and was incredibly proud of all of them- they were his entire world. His grandchildren were the absolute light of his life- they were his reason for living, and gave him so much joy. Dave said "Remember that I would never have changed anything and that you all are, were and forever be the very best part of my life. Thank you for being you and allowing me to be me. I love you all and will be near you always in the air. I'll be waiting on the other side. You all made me proud to be called son, dad, and papa."
David is preceded in death by his father John Gordon; his son Paden Joy-Gordon; and his close friend Tammy Cavin.
He is survived by his mother Linda Gordon; siblings Christopher Gordon, Nikki Counterman and her husband Dezmond, and Daniel Gordon and his wife Mystique; sons Tyler Brown and his wife Katelyn, Kaylob Morgan, Hunter Gordon, and Reese Gordon and his girlfriend Martha; eight grandchildren: Mia, Sydney, Langston, Jemma, Marillian, and Luna; nephew Sean and niece Avory; and his close friends: Teresa Shull, Susan Benson, Braden Wise and his son Cayman, Meredith Cole, Chris Lancaster, Josh Haynes, and William Wells.
David will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 West Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, Missouri, followed by a private burial. Wear your favorite rock band T-shirt if you'd like.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline at www.988lifeline.org
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield, Missouri.
Donations to assist with funeral expenses are kindly requested by his family. These may be made directly to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd., 2001 West Walnut Lawn St., Springfield, MO 65807.
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield, Missouri.
To send flowers to the family of David, please visit our floral store. If you would like to make a donation in memory of David Richard Gordon, please visit the Tribute Fund.