Henry Gordon

Arnaudville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville, for Henry Clay Gordon, Sr., 84, who passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at J. Michael Morrow Memorial Nursing Home in Arnaudville. Interment will follow at St. John Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville. Fr. Keenan Brown, Pastor of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, will officiate at the funeral Mass, assisted by Deacon Jim Davis. Scriptures will be read by Tara Gordon, Kylar Wiltz and Shelley Gordon. Gifts will be presented to the Altar by his daughters. One of seven children born to Clay and Arsand Chevalier Gordon, Henry Clay Gordon, Sr. began his journey of life on September 25, 1926 in Arnaudville, Louisiana. In the spring of 1946, following honorable service in the United States Army, Henry joined in Holy Matrimony with the former Theresa Simon, also of Arnaudville. The couple shared nine children in their marital union, which lovingly persisted for over 62 years until Theresas death in 2009. Two years later, Henry was summoned home by our Heavenly Father to join Him and Theresa in eternal life on the morning of February 19, 2011. Henry was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as 'Popee' to family and friends. His vocational experiences were very diverse. For example, earlier in his life, Henry worked as a barber and rendered services to the community for as little as five cents. He later pursued work as a merchant of produce in the form of truck patch farming, at which he was quite successful. In later years, Henry also worked for the St. Martin Parish School Board and Barry Concrete before finally retiring. He was a parishioner at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Arnaudville, Louisiana and he was also a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver organization. He enjoyed gardening, praying the Holy Rosary on a daily basis with his wife, Theresa, and spending time with family. Henry was a talented guitarist as well as a vocalist. He enjoyed sharing his musical talent and trained many young up-and-coming musicians in the areas. As a husband, Henry loved his wife unconditionally and beyond measure. He deeply cherished his marriage to Theresa and all that they had built together over the years. As a father, Henry was an unwavering provider and protector. As a grandfather, Henry possessed great pride in his grandchildren and was a beacon of everlasting love to them. As a man, Henry was an outstanding example of decency, kindness, and compassion that all could aspire to emulate. Though he was often a quiet and reserved man, it was during times of trouble and uncertainty that Henry could always be counted on to provide a simple perspective in a Creole tongue that always seemed to wipe away any trace of turmoil or conflict. Henry leaves behind many great life lessons and endearing memories that will sustain those whose lives he touched for generations to come. Survivors include five daughters, Betty Gordon of Arnaudville, Jo Ann Chevalier and her husband, Earl, of New Orleans, Lee Elda Gordon of Lafayette, Sandra Jolivette of Arnaudville, and Claudette Calais and her husband, Lawrence, of Arnaudville; four sons, Henry C. Gordon, Jr. and his wife, Leona, of Houston, Texas, Russell Gordon and his wife, Verler, of Lafayette, Charles Gordon and his wife, Vernette, of Henderson, and Ronald Gordon and his wife, Madeline, of Arnaudville; one sister, Georgia Malonson, and her husband, Horace, of Houston, Texas; one brother, Andrew Gordon, and his wife, Mary, of Houston, Texas; along with 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Simon Gordon; his parents, Clay and Arsand Chevalier Gordon; a son-in-law, James Larry Jolivette; three brothers, Murphy, Hurshel, and Sandies Gordon; and one sister, Christine Sellers. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Pallbearers will be Christopher Broussard, Quentin Chevalier, Earl Chevalier, Jr., Joseph Lenel Gordon, Craig Gordon, Sr. and Joseph Murphy Gordon III. Pellerin Funeral Home of Arnaudville is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and , go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.