Terry Lynn Gordon, Sr.

Terry Lynn Gordon Sr., age 84, of Dimondale, Michigan, passed peacefully on February 19, 2026. Born on May 25, 1941, to William and Deloris Gordon. Terry grew up in North Lansing on Bates Street and graduated from Eastern High School, class of 1959.

He is survived by his children, Terry Gordon Jr. (Debbie), Tammy Hosford (Dale), Kimberly Boehm (Ronnie), and Kris Gordon. Terry was a proud grandfather to Terry Gordon III, Tessa Hosford, Tait Hosford, Andrew Blazeff, Haley Gordon, Alexis and Jake Sasser, Zach Lotoszinski, Chloe Lotoszinski, and a cherished great-grandfather to Dakota and Bohdi Gordon. His sisters, Sharon Taylor (Ron), Nancy Powers, brother in-law Daryl Kesler, brother-in-law Richard Tupper (Peggy), sister in-law Marylue Bailey (Jim), several special nieces and nephews (Tim, Todd, Troy), and many first, second, and third cousins who were like siblings (Jerry & Bobby).

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Barney and Lottie Pugh; parents, William and Deloris Gordon; his beloved wife of 50 years, Rosemary; sister, Diana Kesler; mother in-law, Fidelia Tupper; brothers-in-law, Hap Taylor, Rick Powers; nephews, Randy and Chad Dean Powers, and niece, Brandi Taylor.

As a young boy, Terry cherished the time he spent with his grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Pugh, creating memories with them that he carried close to his heart throughout his life. From a young age, he stepped into an important role within his family, helping his single mother care for his three little sisters. They adored their big brother, and he wore that responsibility with quiet strength and love.

After graduating high school, he worked many jobs, including Kositchek’s Department Store, where he was a valued employee and treated like royalty. In the early ’60s, he moved to Anaheim, California, where he was employed at Hallamore Electronics.

Although the West Coast was exciting, and he made fond memories with his buddies from high school and his cousin Bobby, he was homesick for Michigan. Upon returning home, he worked for a short time at Oldsmobile and for Kesler Karkau before starting his own carpentry business, Terry’s Remodeling Service. Through the years, he took pride in his work and helped others with his skills, volunteering whenever he could.

After living many years on Valencia Street in Lansing, in the late ’80s, he built his dream home in Dimondale, where he spent many blessed years with his children and the love of his life, Rosemary. Terry was a true son of the Upper Peninsula, happiest with a fishing rod in hand, a quiet stretch of woods at dawn, or the hum of a snowmobile beneath a winter sky. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace in nature and joy in sharing it with others. Whether casting a line, tracking game, or exploring snowy trails, he embraced the beauty of every season.

When he wasn’t outside, Terry was at the card table, dealing out hands of Pepper, Euchre, or cribbage, laughing and swapping stories with family and friends. He could frequently be caught tapping his hands, and stomping his feet to an Old Country song! His steady presence, love of the land, and gift for bringing people together will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was an individual spirit with a one-of-a-kind personality — a regular old Grizzly Adams.

In recent years, Terry was surrounded by the love and support of many amazing caregivers who helped him live to the fullest. Their kindness and compassion meant the world to him, and he cherished them like family. Jodi, Bailee, Hannah, Annabelle, Nikki, Jayden, Stephanie, and the gang at Dobie Road Facility all helped to make his later years easier and happier. The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the care, comfort and friendship they provided.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation or St. Gerard Catholic Church.

Funeral Service will be held at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917, US, on March 5, 2026, at 12:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of service.

Guests are invited to dress casually in honor of Terry. Jeans, flannels, and cowboy attire are warmly welcomed.