Gordon Gano

Born on February 28, 1932 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Gordon and Mathilde Gano, Gordon grew up in Shreveport and Lake Charles, Louisiana. He graduated from Baylor Prep School in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1950, and received his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University in 1954, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Gordon joined the Army in 1954 and led a tank company in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1956 having earned the rank of First Lieutenant. Gordon earned a law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1959 and enjoyed a long and successful career in Dallas as a personal injury attorney.

Gordon is survived by his daughter, Gigi Gano Ekstrom of Dallas and her husband Johan; his son, Lee Gano, of Denton; and his grandson, Anders Ekstrom, as well as many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mathilde and Gordon Gano, and his wife Betsy Jeter Gano.

An avid deep sea fisherman, Gordon traveled the world in pursuit of big game fish. A longtime member of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (now CCA Texas), he enjoyed sharing his love of the ocean and his passion for fishing with his friends and family.

Gordon was a loving father, grandfather, and friend. His family and many friends will remember his big hugs and his inspirational ability to make everyone feel like an old friend. His home was open to all and was a place to enjoy good food and wine with the ever-present sounds of Blue Grass and Jimmy Buffett.

Gordon was fun, charming, and positive. He never let the difficult days get him down and fought his illness with optimism, humor, and grace. He will live on in our hearts forever.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Sparkman Hillcrest. Memorials may be made to the Coastal Conservation Association Texas or the charity of your choice.