Hillard H. Gordon

Hillard H. Gordon, of Lake St. Louis, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Marcella Gordon (Nee: Fritschie); cherished son of the late Hillard Sr., and Jean Gordon; devoted father of Dave (Janet) Gordon, Don (Jennifer) Gordon, Kathy (Steve) Israel, John (Sue) Gordon, and Rob (Beth) Gordon; loving grandfather of Andrea (Capt. Scott) Dold, Heather (Mason) Payne, Mike Israel, James Gordon, Ryan Gordon, Joe Israel, Sarah Gordon, Abby Gordon, Megan Gordon, and Jacob Gordon; treasured great-grandfather of Sarah Dold; step-grandfather of Aaron (Annette) Israel; step-great-grandfather of Ainsley, Sebastian, and Skylar Israel; dear brother of the late JoAnn (Herb) Pratt; brother-in-law of Carol (the late Jim) Fritschie, Jean (Jack) Miles, Judy (Larry) Herberholt, John (Jan) Fritschie. Uncle of JoAnn’s children: Teri, Lorri, Sharon, Kenneth and many others. He is survived by many extended family members and friends.

Hillard grew up in Cape Cod, which fostered his lifelong love of the beach and a never-ending appetite for fresh clam rolls. Hillard proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. While stationed in Florida, he met the love of his life while on lifeguard duty. He knew right away that he would marry her, and they spent 61 beautiful years together. After his discharge, he ran his dad’s restaurant, Sad Sack Snack Shack in Cape Cod. His Air Force training and passion for aircraft helped shape the rest of his life. He graduated from Parks Air College which is now part of St. Louis University and worked as an aircraft mechanic at Eastern Airlines. He also earned his Private Pilot’s License and was a flight instructor.

Hillard was a devout Catholic who was always active in the parish he was currently attending, St. Jude in Overland and St. Patrick in Wentzville. He was a 4^th Degree Member of Knights of Columbus of Assembly 2620, Former Grand Knight of Council 10154, and member of the Holy Name Society. He was a parent chaperone of the Young Catholic Musicians and member of the adult choir. The foundation of his faith grew with yearly retreats to the White House Retreat Center and he was grateful to share this experience with his grandson. He was also a member of the ACTS community.

Hillard was active in whatever endeavors his children were in, most notably the Boy Scouts of America. Later in life he joined the American Legion, volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital West, and enjoyed outings with the Lake St. Louis Historical Society.

Hillard was an avid woodworker. He made items big and small; including desks, cradles, hope chests among other things, but was most known for making beautiful crosses to give away. He was handy and a “jack of all trades” excelling in carpentry and electrical work. Sailing was a hobby he started young and was able to carry throughout his life. On the other hand, Hillard started golfing later in life. It was something he enjoyed with his wife, his sons, and many friends. He joked that golf was more like a walk in the woods. Spending time on the course and enjoying the fresh air gave him peace. He enjoyed shooting skeet and trap, and he was a hunting and gun enthusiast.

The most important things in Hillard’s life were his faith and his family. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Hillard’s name to St. Patricks’s Church - donations and mass intentions, White House Jesuit Retreat, and Chatham Historical Society .

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, St. Patrick Catholic Church requires all family members and guests to wear a mask while inside. Social distancing is required, and guests should stay at least 6 feet apart. Thank you for your understanding.