Gordon Eskridge

In memory of Gordon W. Eskridge, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on December 22, 2024. Gordon was born on July 7, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to loving parents John Harrison Eskridge and Lena May Bookout. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to others.

Gordon was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Radar Technology Specialist. His time in the service exemplified his dedication to his country and his fellow service members. After his military career, he pursued a lifelong passion for education, earning a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University. He also nurtured his love for the arts, earning a minor in Art, and was passionate about photography, even maintaining his own darkroom.

A true lifelong learner and advocate for education, Gordon spent over 25 years hosting nearly 100 university students from more than 20 countries, providing them with a home away from home and enriching their academic experiences. As a NASA educator, he taught teachers innovative, interactive methods to engage their students. He was also a published author and a committed volunteer, regularly offering his time at the Family History Center, where he helped countless individuals trace their family lineage using Family Tree. During Constitution Week at the Edmond Museum, he joyfully served as a living Uncle Sam, sharing his love for history and his community.

Above all, Gordon was a dedicated family man. His perfect day was spent with his family, watching movies, playing games, enjoying snacks, and telling stories and jokes. He took great joy in capturing memories through his photography and was always quick with a practical joke or a funny cartoon to make those around him smile. He adored spending time with his children and grandchildren, delighting in their adventures and providing them with a sense of wonder about the mysteries of science, space, and applied physics.

In addition to his passion for teaching, Gordon was deeply involved in his faith, volunteering with the Scouting and Young Men’s programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he also served as an officiator at the Oklahoma City Temple. His commitment to service extended far beyond his family, as he coordinated the shipping of thousands of items for overseas troops through Project Patriot and regularly sought ways to give back to his community. He was an example of a true servant leader, always putting others’ needs first and teaching those around him to treat everyone with respect and kindness.

Gordon was married to his loving wife, Rosemary Horn Eskridge, for 58 years. Together, they created a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and adventure. Rosemary was by his side until the end, a testament to their enduring bond and devotion to one another.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Rosemary, his daughters Samantha Hand and her husband Don Hand of Okinawa, Japan, Jennifer Sprouse and her husband Jason Sprouse of Fort Worth, Texas, Jeana Hasbell and her husband Keith Hasbell of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Rachele Eskridge and her husband Sean Hill of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Sarah Donaldson and her husband Joshua Donaldson of Chandler, Oklahoma, his sister Lena Mae LaDrew and her husband Clifford LaDrew of Grapevine, Texas, his 19 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 10 nieces and 19 nephews, along with many friends.

As a father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, Gordon Eskridge touched the lives of many. His spirit of generosity, kindness, and humor will live on in the countless people whose lives he influenced. His family finds comfort in knowing that they were deeply loved and that they, too, were his family.

There will be a Memorial Service at The Christian Church in Edmond - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1:00 PM, December 28, 2024. 1315 East 33rd Street