MANSFIELD – Robert David Gordon, 77, of Mansfield, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

The Ironton native was born March 2, 1934, a son of the late Thomas H. and Susan L. Finlay Gordon.  He was preceded in death on Feb. 17, 2009 by his wife of 54 years, Norma Jean Giles Gordon whom he married June 25, 1954.

Mr. Gordon was a 1952 graduate of Ironton High School and attended Texas Southern University on a football scholarship.  He was a retired Master Sargent E-7 from the United States Air Force with over 20 years of service. He received numerous medals, decorations and citations while in the Air Force and served in both Vietnam and Japan.  He was the former Director of the J.T.P.A Private Industry Council of North Central Ohio and Administrator of Meals on Wheels for Richland County. Sports were always a big part of his life and he loved to play baseball and basketball. He was an All Air Force softball pitcher and played semi-pro baseball in Japan. He coached Little League baseball, was an avid bowler and a true sports fan.

He was preceded in death by: (in addition to his parents and wife) brother, Joseph Gordon; sister: Mary Ellen Rollins and infant twin brothers.

He is survived by a son, Robert D. Gordon of Columbus; daughter, Pamela Jean Gordon of Pickerington; son, Giles Franklin Gordon of Mansfield; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Betty Gordon of Ironton; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh Street, Ironton, with Rev. Henry Fletcher officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery with full military honors.  Friends may call Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1100 Dennison Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201.  To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.