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| No. 360: Marvin H. Gordon 1922-2017 |
I read a lot of stories in my newspaper job about war veterans and their exploits. Lately the stories have been more of their passing, especially the World War II servicemen. And I always think the same thing: "What huge stones!"
This fellow, Marvin Higgins Gordon, 94, didn't get a story. And truthfully, he got an obituary in a competing paper. He was born Dec. 8, 1922, in Windham, in Portage County, Ohio, and died Feb. 9, 2017, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, a friend of the family commissioned a portrait of Marvin in his Air Force bomber jacket and garrison cap, also known as a "piss-cutter." He was a nose gunner serving in World War II. A nose gunner is a crewman who operates a machine gun or autocannon turret in the front of the warplane. Dangerous, badass stuff.
Turns out Marvin wound up a prisoner of war for one year and 17 days in Germany. He came away from it with a lifelong fear of German Shepherd dogs, I was told.
He married the former Marjorie Fae Sutliff on Feb. 22, 1944, and enjoyed 72 years of marriage. He worked near Windham at the Ravenna Arsenal 42 years, and enjoyed farming and spending time with his dog, children and grandchildren.
A solid man, but he didn't get a newspaper story. That family friend, however, made sure he got a portrait, which is now with the family in the Newton Falls, Ohio area. Newspaper stories are fleeting. But No. 360 helps to preserve a memory, and it was an honor to do this piece.
Thank you for your time and talent.
ReplyDeleteMr. Wills, Marvin Gordon was my father-in-law, and your sister in law, Sandy, is our dear friend who commissioned this. As you can imagine, we were at a loss for words when we received the portrait. Not only is it a perfect gift, but a perfect likeness. Your kind words that accompany it were so moving and appreciated. My father in law was a very private man and never spoke of his time in prison camp. We all knew and respected this, but sadly, many stories that could have been shared for posterity, are forever gone with his memory. Gary and I would like to thank you for your gentle touch during a sad time.
ReplyDeleteReally it was an honor. Those guys saved our nation. And it took a heavy toll on them. I really liked the drawing too -- it's cool. Enjoy it and pass it down through the years.
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