John Gordon

Mr. John Samuel Gordon, age 86, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Stonebridge Villa Marie, with his family by his side.
He was born on December 15, 1938, in Shelbyville, Ky., to Ernest and Genevieve (Ihrig) Gordon. At an early age, John moved with his mother and sister to the Kansas City area, where he grew up. He met Nancy Sue Hendrix at Blue Summit Baptist Church after admiring her piano playing. The two were united in marriage on December 20, 1957, in Kansas City and built a beautiful life and legacy together that spanned over 6 decades.
John graduated from Northeast High School in 1956 and joined the United States Coast Guard Reserves. He served in the Reserves and worked various other jobs before starting a career with the Missouri Highway Patrol in 1965.
His career in the Missouri Highway Patrol began with an initial assignment in Harrisonville for Troop A promoting safety and enforcing traffic laws. He was transferred to General Headquarters in Jefferson City in the fall of 1988. John had several assignments throughout his career including Polygraph Examiner, Hostage Negotiator, and various additional duties such as Security Detail at the Missouri State Fair and Mizzou Football Games. He retired from the Patrol in 1997 as Captain of Professional Standards and made a lasting impact on the patrol and all the communities he served and protected.
John approached his career with the mindset of making a difference every day-finding ways, in every role and with every task, to help someone. He held deep respect for his work and strove to maintain honesty and integrity in all he did. Along with his stern and serious face as a state trooper he also had a sense of humor and a great smile. John's generosity and willingness to help others was unmistakable. His remarkable career serves an inspiration to many, showcasing his commitment to the call and willingness to serve.
Following his retirement, John filled his time with new jobs, continuously adding to his very versatile skill set. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources, the Gaming Commission, and as a transport specialist for veterans. Rarely idle, John found joy in keeping his hands and mind busy. Through his involvement with the Department of Natural Resources, John and Nancy became involved with CAMP (Cycling Across Missouri Parks) and were avid cyclists for many years. He enjoyed his long walks through surrounding neighborhoods, often with his beloved dogs, Sadie and Maggie.
He was a passionate auto-mechanic – an interest he discovered in his teenage years. He restored countless vehicles and a school bus that he converted into the family camper. He lovingly included his children in this hobby which created countless fond memories and useful life skills. John also enjoyed woodworking, stained glass, and DIY projects around the house.
John's greatest love was his family. He was a devoted and caring husband and father, always making time for everyday moments and special occasions, even amid the demands of his career. When grandchildren entered his life, John discovered a new depth of love and joy. He took pride in teaching them how to drive and passing along practical skills they would carry with them through life. He and Nancy shared countless adventures together and embodied the true meaning of a joyful, enduring marriage.
John leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, steadfast devotion, and selfless generosity-defined by his commitment to his work, his passions, and his constant desire to help others. He will be immensely missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Nancy; children, John "Mark" Gordon (Kathi) of Blue Springs, Mo., Tim Gordon (Katie) of Jefferson City, and Jaymie Redfern (David) of Grand Junction, Co.; sister, Mary Lee Martino of Kansas City; grandchildren, Michelle Gordon, Christopher Gordon (Kristen), Libbi O'Connor (Matt), Andrew Gordon (Ana), Kyle Redfern (Jenna), Louis Redfern (Kaitlyn), and Alexandra Redfern; and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Ollie, Tobbe, Rowan, Cormac, Felicity, Lydia, Emerson, and Hadley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Genevieve, and brother-in-law, Frank Martino.
Visitation for Mr. Gordon will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with Bro. Mike Quinn officiating.
A webcast of the service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, for family and friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website at the time of the service.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Concord Baptist Church, 3724 W Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, or the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS), 780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.