Gordon Wesley King was born in Delta, Colorado April 28, 1941 to Philip Eugene King and Verda Lucke King. He died July 5, 2019 due to complications from diabetes. Gordie was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Velda. He leaves behind his younger sister Phylis, Boise, Idaho.
Gordie graduated from Grand Junction High in 1959, went on to Mesa Jr. College earning an Associate of Arts degree, and transferred to University of Colorado. When he was at Mesa he was on the dean’s list and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. At CU, in addition to his academic studies, he played tuba in the marching band. In his first year at CU, the football team went to the Orange Bowl and although the football team lost to LSU, the band played well, especially that one tuba player.
Gordie’s education at CU was interrupted by a tour of duty in the US Army. He enlisted in Jan 1965 and served in the Military Intelligence Corps until Dec 1967. His last 13 months of duty were in Viet Nam where his work entailed interrogating North Vietnamese POWs. He was proud of his service and received a bronze star for his achievements.
He returned to Colorado and to CU where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in August of 1968. Most of his professional career was spent as a rate analyst for the State of Colorado Public Utilities Commission. He retired from public service in 2000. Gordie was the epitome of a quality public servant, believing that his job was to provide the commissioners, small businesses, and citizens with accurate information and helpful advice that resulted in good outcomes. He had the ability to read and understand Colorado law and clearly explain it to others.
Gordie possessed a remarkable memory for facts and figures. In family travels, he lectured parents and siblings about dozens of topics; geography, history, economics, science, and wildlife. One time, while watching seagulls on the beach, he pointed out that there were 4 or 5 different species. In fact, they all looked alike! Gordie won most Trivial Pursuit games he ever played. He was the expert on the family’s shared history and genealogy. He was their trusted resource for many things. He will be missed.
Service will be held at 10 AM at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Parkway August 14, 2019
In lieu of flowers please donate in Gordie’s’ name to your favorite charity or to the First United Methodist Church of Grand Junction.
Messages of condolences may be sent to www.martinmortuary.com
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