Robert "Bob" E. Gordon

Robert “Bob” E. Gordon, 83, of Washington, IL passed away peacefully during his afternoon nap on Friday, November 24, 2017 due to complications of ALS. He was born on December 9, 1933 in Streator IL to his parents, Frank & Mayme Gordon who preceded him in death as did his brother, Don Gordon and Bob’s wife of 49 years, Loretta (Felker) Gordon whom he married on January 11, 1958. He is survived by his sister Marcia Wahl of Streator, IL, his five children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Beginning with the oldest; son Kevin (Kari) Gordon of Carlsbad, CA, their son Payton and daughter Jesalyn (Blake) Eatchel; Cynthia (Ken) Sergio of Gilbert, AZ, their son Nick (Megan) and the two great grandchildren Mekenzie and Emily; son Gregory (Darlene “Buffy”) Gordon of Washington, IL, their children Jason, Brandyce (Mathew) DeFreitas, and Samantha; son Douglas (Denise) Gordon of Windsor, CO, their children Andrew and Carly; and son Randall Gordon of Los Angeles, CA. Bob grew up on a farm near Streator, IL and graduated from Streator High School followed by two years (1954-56) in the Army as part of the occupation force in Germany. Following his military service, he graduated from Midstate College and attended Bradley University to become a CPA. He began working as a CPA in 1960 for Gauger & Diehl in Peoria, IL and became a licensed CPA in 1966. In 1970, he became Senior Audit Manager for Peat, Marwick & Mitchell, the predecessor to KPMG. In 1980, he became an officer and Director of Barber, Potts & Co., followed shortly by his purchase of the company, which he renamed Gordon & Sweetland, P.C. Bob served as President and Managing Partner for many years until he sold the practice to his partners as Gordon, Stockman & Waugh, P.C., widely considered the finest accounting firm in Central Illinois. Bob was an avid golfer and carried the rulebook in his golf bag, should a clarification of ball placement or stroke count be required. He always wanted to win fairly, or so he said. He hit two Hole-in-ones in his life, one of which resulted in him winning a new Buick. He took the cash instead. A former member of Mt. Hawley Country Club, Bob served on the Board of Directors and was President from 1991-93. The Washington City Council honored Bob for his many years of service as the city’s Treasurer (1981-99) on February 6, 1999. Serving the City of Washington, IL was only part of his community activity. He was an active member of the Spalding Assembly of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), KC Council #6707, Morton Men of Music, VFW Post 9016, American Legion Post 100, Elks Club #20, the Republican Party, Saint Patrick’s Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was a frequent volunteer and could always be counted on to serve his community. In his spare time, Bob was also an active member of various professional organizations including the AICPA, IL CPAS, Illinois Municipal Treasurer’s ASSN (President 1989-90), and the ASSN of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (International President 1991). Throughout his years of service, he served on various committees and boards of each organization. Bob was an enthusiastic storyteller and rarely let all the facts get in the way of a good tale. He may have played golf by strict guidelines but a good story was often enhanced for our listening pleasure. He was known to frequent several local establishments where he spun his yarns, sang a bit of Danny Boy and made sure the drinks were filled to the top of the glass. Bob’s gregarious personality will be missed by many. Heaven is sure to be even more fun upon his arrival. A visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where a prayer service will be at 6:45 pm. A funeral mass will be at 10 am Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Patrick Church in Washington. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, 220 W. Huron St. Suite 4003, Chicago IL, 60654.

Robert "Bob" E. Gordon

December 9, 1933 - November 24, 2017