| Graduation Year | Class of 1966 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 08, 2023 |
| About | Andrew "Andy" Gorden, 75, of Owosso, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Jennings~Lyons Chapel, 520 West Main St., Owosso, MI 48867. Nick Babcock (nephew) will be officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 PM until the time of the service. Andrew C. Gorden, known affectionately as "Andy" to friends and family, was born on March 29, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan, to Robert Valentine and Betty Jane (Palmer) Gorden. Andy was a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and dedicated firefighter. He was a man of courage, compassion, resilience, and integrity, who had a deep love for his family, friends, and community. Andy graduated from Haslett High School in 1966 and went on to attend firefighting school at Michigan State University. He began his firefighting career with Meridian Township, a role that he approached with dedication and tenacity. His career in public service later led him to Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc., where he retired with a legacy of service and commitment to his community which remains a testament to his character. Beyond his professional life, Andy was a family man at heart. He met his beloved wife, Marleen Rae Smith, in high school and they were married on March 25, 1967, at Okemos Community Church. Their love story spanned over 56 years, a testament to Andy's loving nature and commitment. He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, Darin, and Drew, and a doting great-grandfather to Landon. His love for his family was evident in the joy he found in spending time with them. Andy's love for classic cars, NHRA races, and animals, including, his horses, dogs and cats, began early in life. These interests were not just hobbies, but passions that he pursued with enthusiasm. His love for these things was infectious and he shared them with his family and friends. Andy is survived by his loving wife, Marleen, his grandchildren, Joshua (Angela Yates) Gorden, Jacob (Hannah) Gorden, Darin (Rilee Hubbard) Gorden, and Drew Gorden, his great-grandson, Landon, his sister Debra Holsinger, sister-in-law Marcia Shellenberger, brothers-in-law Ronald and Rick Smith, and many beloved friends, including Dan and Shelley Davis. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a community of friends who will miss his warm heart, generous spirit, and infectious laugh. He was preceded in death by his cherished sons, Troy and Aaron Gorden; his parents, Robert Valentine and Betty Jane (Palmer) Gorden; and his sisters, Patricia Virtue and Carolyn Towne. Each of them held a special place in his heart and their memories were often shared in his stories. Andrew C. Gorden, or "Andy" as he was fondly known, lived a life of service, love, and passion. He was a man who loved deeply, served selflessly, and lived passionately. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived. His family, friends, and community will remember him for his courage, his compassion, his resilience, and his unwavering integrity. Memorials are suggested to The American Cancer Society at cancer.org or to the Kidney Foundation at kidney.org. |
