Gordon Wayne Menk

PEKIN ~ Gordon Wayne Menk, 86, of Pekin, passed away at 9:59 p.m. on Friday May 30, 2025 at Carle Health Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on November 2, 1938 in Kansas, Illinois, the son of Wayne and Thelma (Hibschman) Menk. Gordon married Ennia Johns on April 5, 1984 in Las Vegas, Nevada, she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Steve Menk of Platte City, Missouri; one daughter, Sheila (Dale) Newton of Bartonville; two stepdaughters Tammy Long and Vicki Long; one brother, Morris Menk of Foley, Alabama; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dick Menk; one infant sister, Joyce Elaine; one daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Menk; one granddaughter, Cheri Ann Menk; and one stepson Ray Long.

Gordon graduated from Delavan High School in 1957. After graduation he attended Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked for the airline industry for 43 years. He worked for Ozark Airlines for 29 years, Transworld 15 years and American Airlines for 1 year. Ennia and Gordon traveled to several different countries and logged over 850,000 miles flown.

He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years from 1956-1962. Gordon was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Pekin. Where he served as a greeter, usher and taught bible study. Was a member of Gideons International for 33 years. He loved to play slow pitch softball and loved watching old western movies. Gordon coached Limestone Biddy Basketball from 1970-1983.

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 5, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday June 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Vern Risner will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Gideons International PO Box 5011, Morton, Illinois 61550 or First Baptist Church of Pekin 700 Capitol Street, Pekin. Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.