Bennie Gordon

LIFE REFLECTION
On December 1, 1929 Bennie Gordon Jr. was born Benjamin JB Gordon Jr. in Saint Louis, Missouri to the union of Benjamin
Gordon Sr. and Viola Gordon (Acres). He attended Saint Louis Public Schools for his education.
In 1946 at the age of 17, Bennie was employed with Central Brass and Aluminum Foundry in St. Louis. Where he worked until he
was called up to serve his country in the United States Army at the age of 22. In 1951, Bennie attended boot camp at Fort Crowder
in Neosho, Missouri, where he deployed to serve in the Korean War. He served his country honorably until his release of service in
1953. Upon returning home from service, Bennie joined and was baptized at Jamison Memorial C.M.E. Church. Where he continued
to serve God, family and community.
In 1954, Bennie was initiated into Free Masonry when he joined Compass Lodge #171, which is known now as Claude F. Wise #171.
Throughout the years during his Masonic travels, he joined several houses and was a faithful member of the Holy Royal Arch,
Knights Templars, (Modesta Pearl #9) Order of the Eastern Star, Consistory (Eureka #29) and Shriners (Medinah Temple #39).
In 1956, Bennie met Susie Dabney and of this union was born Desiree Whitlock, Tyrome Dabney, Steven Gordon, Lamont & Gloria
Jean Dabney, Benita Mori, Cornelius Dabney, Vincent Gordon and Octavia & Michael Waters. Also, born to Bennie were two more
daughters Gildra Gordon and Veleda Gordon-Turner.
Preceding Bennie in death were sons Delbert Gordon and Steven Gordon Sr, Benjamin Gordon Sr (father) and Viola Acres(mother).
Bennie was light hearted and kind; he never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. When asked how he was doing his favorite response was always “Mellow as a Cello”, so much so that a set of grandchildren gave him the nickname “Mellow Cello”.
He responded “what say you” when he liked your response to what he said. The funniest response was always “you hit the nail on the head” and that his name wasn’t Jose. We never found out who this Jose character was that he always spoke about but that was just Bennie. With every greeting and salutation, you simply never knew what you were going to hear. When called upon for service whether it was church, family or community you could surely count on the fact that Bennie was there and ready. Bennie lived his life
philosophy for all to see of ”I am third”; meaning life in this order…God, Family and Self..

Bennie leaves behind to cherish his memory his children Desiree Whitlock, Tyrome Dabney, Lamont & Gloria Jean Dabney, Benita Mori, Cornelius Dabney, Vincent Gordon, Octavia & Michael Waters, Gildra Gordon and Veleda Gordon-Turner. A brother Frederick Gordon Sr., a host of 60 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 18 great great- grandchildren, a host nieces, nephews and cousins and close friends.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God”
Bennie Gordon Jr
1929-2022