John Thomas Gordon

Birth: Oct. 11, 1871 York County South Carolina, USA Death: Jan. 7, 1951

He was the son of John Alonzo Gordon and Emily Ann Wells. His obituary from the Lehi, Utah newspaper: John Thomas (Jay) Gordon, 79, died at his home here, Sunday 1-7, after a lingering illness. Mr. Gordon, who had engaged in farming all his life, had carried on that occupation here for more than 25 years. He had served as caretaker of the Lehi stake tabernacle and adjoining land since the renovation of that building, also taking care of the OLDS Seminary building. He was also custodian of the Fifth Ward church for many years. Always faithful and dependable in his duties, he brought an extra measure of courtesy to the position. gifted in and appreciative of music, he played the banjo for uncounted gatherings, often in the company with "Sam" Webb and "Will" Kirkham. The orchestra of recent years has consisted of Mr. Gordon, Mr. Webb, Stanley Clark and Eva Carson. Specializing the popular old time music, they have been much sought after for weddings, Old Folks parties and gatherings of numerous kinds. A native of the south, he was born in York County, South Carolina, October 11, 1871. He came to Salt Lake City as a young man and to Lehi in 1893. He was married to Margaret Miller in Lehi, 12-24-1895. After her death in 1930, he was married to Loretta Miller Parker on 11-5-1930. He is survived by his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Walter (Myrtle) Woffinden and Mrs. I. R. (Erma) Peck, Lehi; Mrs. Alta Crampton, American Fork; four sons, Roger Gordon, Lehi; Frank Gordon, American Fork; Stanley & Richard Gordon, Lehi; a step daugher, Kate Olson, Murray; a step son, Wayne Parker, Midvale; 16 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren. He is survived by the following half brothers and sisters, Kate Fillmore, Payson; Mattie Stewart, Salt Lake City; James & Joseph Gordon, California, and Billy Gordon, Salt Lake City. Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 10 in the Fifth Ward chapel. Bishop Warren L. Goates conducted the services. Prelude and postlude music was played on the organ by Mr. Abraham Anderson, who also accompanied the vocal numbers. The Relief Society members arranged and cared for the many lovely flowers. A trio, consisting of Mrs. Rula Dorton, Ada Robinson and Vera Trane, sang the opening number, "In the Garden." prayer was offered by Ernest Peterson. The life Sketch, which had been prepared by Patriarch Andrew Fjeld, was read by a granddaughter to Mr. Gordon, Doris Blair. Abraham Anderson sang a request number, "O, My Father". This was followed by President A. Carlos Schow as the first speaker. The other speakers were former ward bishop, E. B. Garrett, and Bishop Goates. Tribute was paid to Mr. Gordon as a man of integrity and friendliness, who was not ashamed to dignity the labor of his hands He had shown firm faith through a variety of experiences. He had originally come to Lehi to work in the sugar factory, continuing until its closing. His ability as a farmer and as an entertainer were commended. His musical instrument had been a companion and a joy to him until his last days. Mrs. Gordon and the family had shown their love through the fine care given him in his illness, it was brought out. The closing song was by the trio, "A Christian's Goodnight," after which the benediction was spoken by Azer Southwick. Stake President Herman C. Goates dedicated the grave in the Lehi cemetery.