Gordon Calvert ""GC Lannou, Sr.

Gordon Calvert ""GC"" Lannou, Sr., 89, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather was born on October 3, 1924, in Goose Creek, TX., and passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, with his daughters Mary and Margaret and two granddaughters Lori and Tammie holding his hand and talking to him. GC was a U.S. Navy WW II Veteran and member of First Christian Church.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents: Yves Marie and Margarette Lannou; wife: Viola Valentine Coker Lannou; stepbrother: Luois Minard; brothers: Eugene Lannou, Victor Lannou, and YM Lannou; and sister: Calverta Lannou Schraub. Gordon and Viola were married 62 years before her death in March, 2006.

GC is survived by his children: Gordon Lannou, Jr. of Saint Augustine, Florida, Robert Lannou and wife Charcslene of Beach City, Michael Lannou and wife Kathleen of Houston, Mary Sitarski and husband Frank of Baytown, and Margaret Tipton of Baytown.

Grandchildren: Michelle Lannou, Chris Lannou and wife Tara, JD Lannou and wife Kim, Paul Sitarski and wife Stephanie, Lori Sitarski, Alicia Tipton, Tammie Tipton, Brian Tipton and wife Kristy, Daphne Lannou Zybach and husband Shawn, Darren Lannou and wife Robin, Dana Lannou Moore and husband Michael, Beverly Lannou, and Aimee Lannou.

Great Grandchildren:, Nicholas and Madison Sitarski, Kayleigh and Kaylnn Stephens, Krista Motley, Kyleigh Motley, Kasen Motley, Kalex Motley, Kaleb Motley, Briana McCormick, Brooke Tipton, Hannah Tipton, April Tipton, Brittany Monceaux, Brian Tipton, Jr., Caroline Lannou, Grayson Lannou , Declan Lannou, Kaydence Lannou, Connor Lannou, Alexis Zybach, Zane Zybach, Shyana Zybach, Hanna Lannou, Cole Lannou, , Harley Moore, Michael Moore, Jarod Moore, Carter Moore, Alyssa Moore, Peyton Moore, Ethan Moore and Zachary Guess.

Great Great Grandchildren: Aiden Molina and Arrie Molina. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

His family lived in the 100 block of East Adoue Street. Gordon's dad, Yves Lannou, built a house and then the family moved to the Pelly Oil Field. Gordon attended Sam Houston Elementary, Horace Mann Jr. High, and Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown. While in high school he worked for his brother, Victor Lannou, at a gas station on Texas Avenue in Baytown, TX. In 1937 when G.C's dad died, they moved the house from Pelly Oil Field to Ash Street. Gordon was a member of the Boy's Scouts in high school. Gordon joined the Merchant Marines while in high school when WW II broke out and he sailed for four months. German submarines were sinking the merchant ships so Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 to proudly serve his country. Gordon served in the North Pacific and returned home on a granted leave from over seas duty after two years. While on leave, he married Viola Coker on August 11, 1944 in Goose Creek, TX.

GC was reassigned to Corpus Christi Naval Base and worked in air sea rescue. Then he was transferred to Rockport where targets were moved through the water to make it look like an enemy submarine.

In 1945, GC was discharged from the United States Navy and moved to Baytown, TX. Gordon went to work for John Kilgore on tugboats and numerous similar jobs. In mid 1946, GC was hired by Humble Oil Company in Baytown. Then in October, 1947, Gordon was hired by the City of Pelly as a police officer. A few months later, the city's name was changed to Baytown. On January 1, 1948, Gordon resigned from the city of Baytown Police Department and returned to work for Humble Oil Company as plant protection. While employed at Humble Oil Company he worked in several departments. When GC was laid off in 1951 for six months, he went to work for DuPont Company. Then Humble Oil Company called him back to work in the electrical and air conditioning department. The name changed to Exxon and GC worked there for over thirty-six years until his retirement in May, 1985. Gordon also served on the Exxon Fire and Rescue Team and was Team 11 Fire Captain. In the 1950s, GC was a member of the Air Force Reserve at Ellington Field. He served with the 446 Troop Carrier Wing for three years and received an honorable discharge.

In the 1950s, GC started and built a 26 foot shrimp boat when he worked at DuPont. He would buy a few pieces of planking at a time to add on his boat. When the boat was completed, GC launched the boat at Goose Creek Stream. A storm came in later and caused the boat to sink. After recovery, GC traded the boat for an airplane so he could learn to fly.

While working at Humble Oil Company, GC joined the city of Baytown Volunteer Fire Department and served as Volunteer Chief of District 1. GC was a Past President of the Gulf Coast Fireman's Association. GC and his family attended several years of the annually State Texas Fireman and Fire Marshall conventions. He retired after 27 years of volunteer services. GC was also a member of a Harris County Sheriff Department with the marine division for over 30 years as a reserve officer until 1999. While serving in the marine division, GC recovered numerous drown victims.

Additionally, GC was a first aid instructor for over 12 years with Humble Oil Company. He manned the first aid station at Humble/Exxon Day for many years. For numerous years he participated in the A & M Fire/Rescue Training for Exxon and the City of Baytown. GC was a WW II veteran, member of the Exxon Annuitant Club, and Scout leader for Sea Scouts for his sons, Gordon, Jr. and Robert while they attended school.

When Gordon retired, he and Viola and family traveled the East and West coast all over the United States in their travel trailer and eventually their motor home. Gordon and Viola opened a ceramic store where they taught ceramic lessons. During his retirement he also repaired air conditioners. When GC and Viola were not traveling, you could find them at their lakefront property in Lake Livingston or in their pontoon boat taking the kids and grandkids boat riding and fishing.

Gordon and Viola traveled for many years while researching the Lannou family genealogy. In 1995, they traveled to France to visit relatives of Gordon's dad.

In 1996, Gordon and Viola designed and built their dream home in Beach City. After moving in, GC designed a barn and built the red barn by himself – one screw at a time.

Gordon was the caregiver of his late wife, Viola, for several years until her death on March 27, 2006. Their daughter Margaret purchased a lighthouse puzzle while Viola was in hospice care that the family completed together. Gordon designed and built a round oak frame for the puzzle and added sea shells that him and Viola had gathered during their traveling years. This puzzle hangs above their fireplace mantel.

Gordon was a mechanic, builder, and always had a dream to make clocks from cedar trees. After Hurricane Ike, Gordon had several cedar trees destroyed on his property. He made many beautiful clocks from these trees with sea shells. He spent many hours on each individual clock and then gave the clocks away to family, friends, and many others in the community.

Gordon had a love of the water and boats. He had a captain's license for up to 65 foot for inshore and offshore. After many weekends traveling to Louisiana, GC purchased a 58 foot shrimp boat in Dulac, Louisiana. In April, 2008, GC and his daughter, Margaret, brought the boat to Baytown from Louisiana via the Intercoastal Waterway in four days with little sleep. This boat was renamed the Viola L. The Viola L was sold in 2012 and Gordon purchased a smaller 45 foot shrimp boat. Even though shrimping is a lot of hard work, Gordon enjoyed it as a hobby with his daughter Margaret.

Gordon was a member of First Christian Church for over seventy years. In 2001, Gordon and Viola purchased the Schulmerich Carriollon bells in the church stepple and also the church pew cushions. On their 50th Wedding Anniversary day, Gordon and Viola renewed their vows at First Christian Church in Baytown, TX., performed by Reverend Fred Banda.

Gordon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was known to his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren as PaPa. People were amazed at his talents, knowledge, and abilities. He always strived for perfection in everything he did.

While he will be missed greatly by his family and many friends, we can all rejoice in knowing that Gordon lived his life in preparation for his reunion with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Odyssey Hospice for their excellent care and support.

His family will receive friends on Monday, April 21, 2014, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook, Baytown, TX. from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Baytown, TX. Serving as pallbearers are grandchildren: Paul Sitarski, Lori Sitarski, Alicia Tipton, Tammie Tipton, Brian Tipton, Chris Lannou, JD Lannou, and Michelle Lannou.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521 (281) 422-8111.