Gordon Dewey Christian's Obituary
Gordon Dewey Christian went to be with his Heavenly Father on March 7, 2017 after 87 well-lived years. Gordon was born in Fargo, North Dakota on June 19, 1929. Growing up during the Great Depression, he found enjoyment playing ice hockey and was an outstanding student. Gordon graduated from North Dakota State University in 1951 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 and was deployed during the Korean War where he served valiantly, earning a Purple Heart and several other combat medals. Gordon’s professional career began in March 1954 with Collins Radio which later became Rockwell International. Here Gordon met his wife of 38 years, Donagene. He retired from Rockwell as Director of Defense Electronics Operations on October of 1986. After less than a year of retirement, Gordon returned to the workforce when a colleague from Rockwell asked him to join his start-up telecommunications company; Telinq Systems, as a Senior VP. Gordon worked with Telinq developing their business model. In 1989, Gordon came out of retirement again to become the Finance Director at Bancard Payment Systems which his son, Charles founded. For Gordon, retirement did not consist of playing 18 holes of golf and a few beers with his buddies. He immediately ramped up his involvement in the Boy Scouts where he was already a Scoutmaster of Troop 861 where his sons, Charles and Michael, both earned their Eagle Scout. He earned every Adult Leadership Award scouting offers including the Silver Beaver Award. He has been recognized nationally for his contributions to the scouts. Gordon served as a docent at the National Scouting Museum since it opened in the spring of 2004. He enjoyed leading tours of the Norman Rockwell painting exhibit. Gordon was also very involved at his church Central Lutheran and the growth and operations of the White Rock Center of Hope; a food, clothing, and financial aid center for the needy founded by his wife, Donagene. After her death, he continued her legacy by becoming an Executive Committee member and never stopped volunteering at the center. Gordon’s ultimate form of enjoyment was his family, friends and serving others. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time camping with his wife, family and the scouts. His life was an example of one well lived. Gordon Christian touched a lot of people’s lives through a dedication and commitment to service. He will be sorely missed. Gordon was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donagene; his parents, Harry and Anna Forsberg Christian, and his sister, Dorothy Christian Driscoll. He is survived by his three children, Charles and (Cindy) Christian, Julie and (Mark) Keith, and Michael Christian; grandchildren, Christian and (Mary) Keith, C. Morgan Keith, Caroline Christian and Caleb Christian; great-grandchildren, Lucas Musgrave and Remi Keith; sister, Elizabeth Christian; and long-time friend, Vivian Curry. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 10 am – 11 am at Restland Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am at Restland Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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