Thomas Eugene Gorden

Thomas Eugene Gorden, 86, of Pawnee, OK, passed away on 11/12/2022 while in the hospital due to several health conditions.

Tom was born on March 28, 1936 to Manuel and Mary Gorden in Okmulgee, OK. While in high school, his family moved to California and lived in Santa Ana, CA.

In 1958, Tom met his first wife, Judith, they went on to have 3 children, James 6/17/1959, Thomas 12/15/1961) and Kevin (9/3/1964). They gave him 8 grandchildren. Christopher, Johnny, Elizabeth, Cassandra, Jennifer, Allison, Brooks, and Hailey.

The two later divorced. Tom meet Nadine. The two of them were inseparable they shared their family, their dogs and traveling.

Tom was preceded in death by Nadine, Violet, Phyllis and Nina Fey. He is survived by James, Tom, Kevin, and Allen (his son in law).

Tom was born during the depression era. It hit hard on the Gorden’s. The Depression was a major factor in where families would choose to live, driving the Gorden’s to trail back and forth between California and Okmulgee

During this, they always managed to keep the family home in Okmulgee. This taught Tom from a young age how important it was to have a steady job and savings to keep a family safe. On one of the family’s travels, they moved to from Northern to Southern California.

It was there that he met Judy. They married, he joined the Airforce and together they raised 3 boys. He worked at Culligan Water after the Airforce and until the boys were grown.

He later met his second wife Nadine while visiting his sister in his home state, Oklahoma. He fell in love with her instantly and realized she was the perfect match for him. They both enjoyed going to casinos and trying their luck at the slots. Nadine and Tom would travel to visit the grandkids and always take them shopping for goodies. She taught him that every one of the grandchildren were so very special.

They decided to retire in Oklahoma and found a beautiful property near Nadine’s oldest daughter. They loved sitting on the porch in the afternoons and having family with them.

After Nadine passed away, Tom stayed near her daughter Anna’s family and a tight bond was formed. Allen, Anna, Amber, Allen Keith, and Amanda were there for him also.