Mr. Willie Howard Gordon

June 25, 1927 - June 15, 2016

Mr. Willie Howard Gordon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, entered his eternal rest peacefully on June 15, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by his family and friends.. Howard, as most knew him, was born on July 25, 1927 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, the eldest son of 12 children born to Ruby Gill and George Gordon, Sr. He attended Alexander High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi, but left in the 10th grade to help take care of his family. He was a dedicated family man who early on had visions of a better life living in the North, so he moved to Michigan. He later had help in having his siblings brought to live closer to him, so he could take care of them. While in Michigan, he assisted his aunt Ollie in running a boarding home for several years. Willie professed his faith in Christ at an early age, and was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. He spent most of his time as a dedicated servant of the Lord, with a heart for helping others. Willie met Demetris Bailey and they were married in 1951. He decided to enlist in the United States Army during the Korean War at the same time as his brother, George Jr., to ensure his brother wouldn't be alone. While in Korea, he received several honors: a Commendation Medal, Korean Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United National Service Medal, Korean Services Ribbon, W/2 and Bronze Service Stars. He was very proud of his accomplishments. Howard was employed by the State of Michigan, at the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital for 30 years, until retirement. He also was employed with the Yellow Cab Company, transporting people by cab for several years. Socially, Willie was a very outgoing person. If he didn't know you, he would know a family member of yours or someone close to you. Willie loved family gatherings, traveling and giving to others. He was the "glue" that kept our family together, and will be greatly missed by all who know and loved him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Demetris Gordon; 2 children, Caroline Baker and Verdall Burnett; 5 brothers, George Jr., Leroy, Robert, James Lee and Henry Dale; 5 sisters, Remell, Mary Helen, Georgia May, Marilyn Rose and Sarah. Willie was survived by 2 daughters, Veronica Ann Crenshaw (Christopher), and Joyce Burnett; 2 sons, Tommie Brown and Bernis Howard Gordon (Tashika); and 1 sister, Emma Powell of all of Kalamazoo, MI; 25 grandchildren; over 43 grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family in Mississippi, Ohio, Georgia, Arizona, Texas and Michigan. Also, special friend, Barbara Givhan.