Donald Hart Gordon, Jr

The Rev. Donald Hart Gordon, Jr. died on December 6, 2022 at his home in Saegertown, PA surrounded by his family.  He was 90 years old.

Don was born in Detroit, MI, the only child of Donald Hart Gordon, Sr. and Georgia Kirk Parsons.  He had been a pastor and teacher of the Presbyterian Church (USA) since his ordination by the Presbytery of Detroit in 1957.  That same year he married his first wife, Barbara Ann Eddy with whom he shared 4 children.  When his marriage ended Don married his wife of 46 years Ramona Shian Pettry, with whom he shared a son.

In 1953 Don graduated with a B.A. Degree from Alma College in Michigan.  He then received a Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh (now known as Pittsburgh Seminary).  He also took postgraduate courses throughout his life, including doctoral studies at McCormick Seminary in Chicago, history courses at Michigan State University, and psychological counseling courses through Western Reserve University and University Hospitals in Cleveland.

Don believed whatever “gifts” he possessed came through others, who were his “mentors” along the way. He especially credited these people (among others too numerous to mention):  Doctor Herbert Hudnut, Don's pastor during his pre-college years, taught him “There is no Greatness but Goodness, and no Goodness except by self-sacrifice;” Dr. William Orr, Don's Theology and New Testament professor in seminary, who taught him “Without change there can be no God and there could be no world...Life as we know it would not exist;” and John Earl Myers, a special friend and mentor, who showed him that Paul was right when he wrote to the Romans “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called to God's wishes!”

Don's pastorates included the former Bethany Presbyterian Church (now part of Trinity Church) in Flint, MI. Bethany Presbyterian in Cleveland OH, and North Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, OH.  In the early '60s Don also taught at Sheldon Jackson High School and College Presbyterian School in Sitka Alaska.  Later in the '60s he left the pastorate to work as an Administrative Assistant to Mayor Carl B. Stokes in Cleveland (the first African American mayor of a major US city). Don was instrumental in Mayor Stokes's election.

In 1979 Don was called by Lake Erie Presbytery to serve as Associate General Presbyter for Congregational Development.  In that capacity he worked closely with many congregations throughout a 5 county area, including Mill Village, Sugar Grove, North Shenango and others.  He also assisted the Presbytery in administrative operation, including organization of the Crawford County Cooperative Parish and the Warren County Parish.  He and Shian relocated to Saegertown where they were “adopted” by Albert and Ida Edge, along with their family.

In 1980 Don left Lake Erie Presbytery to assist with congregations ``struggling with change” in Cleveland.  He served in that capacity for 6 years, commuting from his home in Saegertown.  During that period he served as interim pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church in the heart of the city and Pioneer Memorial Church in Solon.  He then returned to Lake Erie Presbytery to serve the former Perkins Church in Erie, PA.  Having reached the age of 65, Don officially “retired” in 1997...but not for long!

He was asked to work part-time in the Erie office, but soon ended-up as interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Corry, where he served 4 years.  Finally he was asked to “heal” the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, PA during a time of “congregational crisis.”

In 2006 Don began a part-time ministry with the Gravel Run Presbyterian Church in Woodcock PA.  What began as a short term ministry, became a 10 year pastorate.  Don retired for the last time in July 2016 at the age of 84.

Don was particularly articulate in his awareness that Christians are called to be servants and peacemakers.  A lifelong advocate for social and racial justice, he marched with Martin Luther King at Selma in 1965 and rallied for fairness and justice on many occasions, both in the community of the world and the community of the church.  Don was a poet, creative photographer, historian, and genealogist.  He loved all God's creatures, great and small, and encouraged others to love them too.

Don will be missed by many, especially his wife Ramona (Shian) and Dog Star.  As a father he gave love unconditionally.  He was loved in return by daughters Karen Gordon, Gail Gordon, Marcella Soukup, her husband Jeffrey and sons Stephen Gordon, his wife Kathryn Kundrat and Phillip Gordon.  His 5 grandchildren Dakota Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Kameron Fisher, Kaydn Gordon and Sadie Gordon and a great grandchild, Jaydn gave him great joy.

Don believed Bernie Sanders made good use of his $5 donations.  He also supported Erie Public Radio, WQLN.  Don and his family believe in a large inclusive world.  His family hopes you will consider donating to any organization dedicated to a kinder, more equitable world.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net