ESCANABA - Gordon Kenneth Roy, 88, of Escanaba and formerly of Tucker County W.V. and Bridgewater, Va., passed away on Saturday July 14, 2012, at Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba.
He was born on March 5, 1924, in Tucker County W.V., and was the son of Lorenzo and Josina (Reed) Roy. He graduated from Davis High School and West Virginia University, where he obtained a degree in forestry. He spent his professional career in the U.S. Forest Service, from which he retired as a district ranger. During his career he and his family moved frequently and he gained experience working in every part of the country.
Gordon was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 57 years and was a member of Eureka No. 195 F&AM Masonic Lodge in Bridgewater, Va., for 53 years. He was a past Post Commander of Myers-Hodges VA VFW Post No. 8644 in Bridgewater and attended their meetings whenever he was in the area. He was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge No. 354in Escanaba, the Delta County Republican Party and the Michigan United Conservation Club. Gordon enjoyed traveling, hunting, listening to old country and bluegrass music and watching John Wayne movies.
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Gordon Kenneth Roy
Gordon was also a decorated veteran of WWII having served in the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." One of his proudest moments was taking a trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. with his son and grandson in 2007.
Gordon K. Roy is survived by: wife, Grace of Escanaba; daughter, Pamela (Dennis) Cox of Harrisonburg, Va.; son, Kenneth (Sharon) Roy of Mt. Jackson, Va.; grandchildren, Katie Keier, Kevin Keier, Kayleigh Roy, Andrew Roy and Mattie Roy; brother, Herbert Roy; sister Margaret Fisher and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six siblings.
A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 2 p.m., at the Davis Cemetery with participation by Masonic Lodge and VFW representatives, along with Gordon's niece, Minister of the Gospel Joyce Roy Minear of Elkins, W.V.
The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
