John David Van Gorden, 71, of Frontenac, KS, passed away at 3:10 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2018, at his home.
He was born August 27, 1946, at Pittsburg, KS, the son of George and Christine (Penachio) Van Gorden. He attended Pittsburg High School and graduated in 1964.
John served in the United States Army Reserves from 1965 until he was honorably discharged in 1971.
On June 10, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sandi Askins. On February 1, 2003, he was united in marriage to Joye Russell at Joplin, MO. She survives of the home.
John worked for the City of Pittsburg retiring after 45 years of service. He started on February 22, 1967, and held various jobs within the City such as Director of Public Works, Director of Parks and Recreation, Assistant City Manager, and interim City Manager - a position he held on four separate occasions. In honor of Van Gorden's 45 years of service, the city staff renamed the Public Utilities Building at Memorial Drive and Walnut the Van Gorden Utilities Service Center.
Membership was held in Frontenac American Legion, Elks Lodge #412, Lifetime member of the American Public Works Assoc. and the American Water Works Assoc.
In addition to his wife Joye, he is survived by a son, Todd Van Gorden and his wife Amy of Ozark, MO; a daughter, Traci Vincent and her husband Doug of Auburn, KS; three step-sons, Jeremey Coonrod of Pittsburg, KS, Ryan Coonrod and his wife Kim of Pittsburg, KS, and Joshua Coonrod of Pittsburg, KS; a sister, Georgann Van Gorden Potter of Pittsburg, KS; eight grandchildren, Johnathon Vincent, Nicholas Vincent, Kersee Cumiskey, Zac Coonrod, Jaden Whetzell, Tori Coonrod, Traci Coonrod and Triniti Coonrod; and nephews, Craig Cicero, John Cicero, and Rob Cicero and a niece, Tresa Young; Brother in laws, Ray Russell and his wife Debbie of Pittsburg, KS, Dale Russell of Girard, KS, Randy Russell and his wife Paula of Girard, KS, and Gayle Russell and his wife JoEllen of Pittsburg, KS; sister in laws, Donna Russell of Pittsburg, KS, Deanna Russell and her husband Gary Hald of Mound City and Sherrie Shelley of Pittsburg KS; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother in law, Joe Adams.
A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday (May 21) at the Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium with Reverend Jim Sukraw officiating. Burial will follow in the Frontenac City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Harry Hynes Hospice and/or Girard Medical Center Foundation. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.
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