Ray Dean Gorden

Ray Dean Gorden was born on June 12, 1941, the son of John Edward and Leona Helen (TenEyck) Gorden in Dunlap, Iowa. Ray Dean received his education from Dow City High School and graduated with the class of 1960. Following his education, he was drafted into the United States Army where he faithfully served until his honorable discharge. 

 On November 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Margie Lefeber at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, and they were blessed with three children: Patrick, Joe and Cindy. A devoted father first and foremost, Ray Dean was known for his unwavering dedication in providing for his family. He worked various jobs as a mechanic, spent time farming and welding. He enjoyed the open road working as a truck driver, a role in which he excelled with passion and dedication. Throughout his years of service, he navigated countless miles. After his retirement, Ray Dean made the bold decision to purchase his own trucks, continuing to uphold the values of hard work and perseverance that defined his life. 

 Ray Dean was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dow City and the Dow City-Arion Fire and Rescue. He found joy tending to his 1960 Impala, which he cherished taking to car shows. Ray Dean and Margie enjoyed guided bus trips to various places. In his later years, some of his favorite pastimes were searching Craig’s List and purchasing scratch offs. He made sure to always set aside time to create cherished memories with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling their lives with love and joy. Ray Dean’s face would light up with pride as he cheered on his grandchildren at their various events, standing as a pillar of support in their lives.

 Ray Dean passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 83 years and sixteen days. 

 Ray Dean was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margie Gorden; infant sister; sister, Shirley Davis; and numerous siblings-in-law. He is survived by his three children: Patrick (Kelly) Gorden of Ames, Joe (Tara) Gorden of Dow City and Cindy (Dave) Freese of Carroll; 11 grandchildren: Allison (Laura) Berktold, Samuel Gorden, Abigail Gorden (fiancé, Keaton Rohrbaugh), Roger (Jessica) Freese, Erica Gorden, Nathan Gorden, Isabelle Freese, Joshua Gorden, Loren Gorden, Lexi Ohl and Gabi Pauley; two great-grandchildren: Blakely Rae and Olivia Ray; and many other relatives and friends.

 A rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. and Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dow City. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in the Dow City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dow City-Arion Fire and Rescue.