Gordon Sheldon Knox

Gordon Sheldon Knox, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at his home in Midland, Texas. Gordon was born on November 19, 1924 in Denver, Colorado. He was raised in Bartlesville and Norman, Oklahoma. He graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma in 1946 with a BS degree in Geology. While attending OU he pledged Sigma Chi fraternity and became a proud member. He worked for Phillips Petroleum as a Petroleum Geologist in Oklahoma, West Texas and Canada. He settled in Midland in 1952, developed several successful oil and gas companies, including GMK Oil Company, originally called Grover, McCurdy and Knox, and Knox Industries, which he remained the CEO of until his death. Gordon married Patricia Arnold Benefield on July 31, 1992. He was one of only 25 oil and gas experts in the U.S. selected to participate in the U.S. Government People to People Program. He served on the board of the University of Oklahoma; and the Midland Chamber of Commerce where he formed and chaired such visual improvement projects as “Keep Midland Beautiful”, and was responsible for the live oak trees being planted along the Scharbauer Draw and the original entrance to the Midland Airport. Gordon was on the board of the Midland YMCA, Trinity School, Midland Country Club and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland. Gordon lived life with passion for work, art, music and time spent with his family and friends. He was meticulously groomed, eloquent and a master of the English language. Gordon was known by all as a gentleman with a sense of humor, traits which remained with him throughout his life. He will be missed dearly by his loving wife, family and friends. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Eunice F. Knox; two brothers and one twin sister. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Knox of Midland; daughter, Cheryl Bell and husband Richard of Coppell, TX; son, Arthur Sheldon Elston and wife Pamela of Castlerock, CO; son, Ronald Elston and wife Pam of Westminster, CO; daughter, Lyndee Knox and husband Gregorio Luke of Long Beach, CA; daughter, Kaye Knox and Michelle King of Austin, TX; stepdaughter, Renee Benefield-Garrison and husband Stewart of Arlington, TX; stepson, Randy Benefield and wife Krista of Arlington, TX; brother-in-law, Jim Arnold and wife Rita of Lubbock, TX; seventeen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Kind Keepers, Interim Hospice of Midland and the Linda Sandoval family during this sensitive time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater West Texas Chapter, Mission Square, 4400 North Big Spring #C-32, Midland, TX 79705 or to the American Heart Association, 3205 W. Cuthbert, Suite A-8, Midland, TX 79701. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 31, 2011 between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.