He participated in football, basketball and baseball at Oakland City High School, and completed one year at Purdue University before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he was a member of the Class of 1955. He attended flight school in Pensacola, FL and received his wings in Corpus Christi, TX in 1956. He served in two patrol plane squadrons flying the P2V and P5M antisubmarine aircraft.

During his service career he served in many positions including, Officer in Charge of Fleet Air Support Unit, Danang where he earned the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. He retired as Executive Officer of the Naval Air Maintenance Training Group Headquarters. His duties took him to five continents, and, as he was fond of saying, played golf on every one of them. He retired to Gulf Breeze, FL. He obtained his BS degree in Computer Science from the University of West Florida in 1985. After graduating he enjoyed teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the UWF Computer Science Department for many years.

Gordon was a man of many interests, which included photography, computers and a life long love of sports and the game of bridge. He enjoyed sailing his racing boat "Old Blue" with the spinnaker flying and taking family and friends water skiing with his deckboat. Gordon was a member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Hightower Guimond; two daughters, Gayla G. Rogers (Sam) and Shelly  G. Elbert (Tim); six  grandchildren, Ben Rogers (Paula), Tracie Smith (Josh), Michael Rogers (Emily), Jason Elbert (Jennifer), Ryan Elbert, Tyler Elbert; four great grandchildren, Madison Rogers, Carter Smith, Hailey Rae Smith, Lily Rogers.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Monday, January 9, 2017 with service following at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice.

Pallbearers will be Michael Rogers, Jason Elbert, Ryan Elbert, Tyler Elbert, Josh Smith and Ben Rogers.