Gordon

We are deeply saddened to announce that Clark L. Gordon, of Butler and Fort Myers, Fla., passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023, after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 81 years old.

Born in Butler, he was the son of Clark H. Gordon and Marie K. Gordon of Meridian. Clark graduated from Butler High School in 1959. He went on to work at ARMCO Steel for 42 years and retired in 2001. Clark founded his department’s retiree luncheon that continues to this day.

In 1965, Clark married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, and together they never looked back. He was a devoted and loyal husband for 57 years, and they had an unbreakable foundation on which to raise their two daughters, GiGi and Cara.

When his dreams of glory in traditional sports for his daughters were dashed due to lack of interest, he threw his effort into their interests and passions by becoming the best dance, cheer, Sequinette and pageant dad ever. He rose in the ranks from expert “seat-getter” at competitions, to sideline coach, all the way to pageant judge. He took great pride in these roles, and while we don’t know if he actually wanted to do them, it was clear that he always was having fun.

During his retirement, Clark easily transitioned into the Florida lifestyle, always dressed to impress in Tommy Bahama and grandkid-approved “cool” sneakers. He became a regular “best of show” winner on the vintage car show circuit in Fort Myers with his beloved 1964 red Corvette Stingray. He also enjoyed working out, bocce, gardening, pickleball and long afternoons floating in the pool, ideally with a cold Moscow mule in hand.

Clark was a believer in the economical use of language, but he was forever the unfaltering source of strength and reason for his entire family. He doted on his children and grandchildren and delighted in the challenges of entertaining young people more than most.

Clark was a longtime Brother of the Free and Accepted Masons, William. H. Miller Lodge of Butler, and the Syria Shrine Pittsburgh. He was a member of Butler Country Club for 42 years.

He mentioned on multiple occasions, usually when arbitrating a spirited disagreement between his wife and daughters, that he deserved a gold medal when he passed. We couldn’t agree with him more.

Clark is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. Gordon of Fort Myers, Fla.; and his two daughters, GiGi Foster (Archie), of Old Brookville, N.Y., and Cara Cotter (Chris), of Huntington, N.Y. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Trilby Kathleen Foster, Archibald McGhee Foster IV, Christopher Stern Cotter Jr. and his namesake, Clark Harrison Cotter.

His family loves him endlessly and will miss him every day. He will forever be in our hearts.

GORDON — A burial service for Clark L. Gordon, who died Thursday, June 22, 2023, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at North Cemetery Association, 1002 N. Main St. Ext., Butler.

Donations are appreciated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.givenow.lls.org.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.