Sunday, March 22, 2009

Rich Hill's Former Mr. Electric

ALVA "DOC" GORDON DEAD
Alva "Doc" Gordon, one of Rich Hill's best known and highly respeeted citizens passed away at the home, 402 East Cedar street, this city, Wednesday evening, 5:30 o'clock Mr. Gordon suffered a heart altack early Friday morning and had been in a critical condition since that time.
Alva Walter, son of George and Margaret Gordon, was born at Mapleton, Kan., December 29, 1879, and passed away September 23, 1953, at the age of 73 years, 8 months and 2 days. August 20, 1903, at Rich Hill he was united in marriage to Daisy Feeny, who survives. He was a mem­ber of the M. W. A. lodge.
Mr. Gordon came here from Mapleton in 1880 and grew to young man­hood here. He was a student of elec­tricity and was instrumental in building the electric light system in Rich Hill. Mr. Gordon until recent years read and studied all about electricity and was considered one of the best authorities on electricity in this sec­tion of the country.
He was superintendent of the Water and Light department of this city for forty years, and during that time worked hard that the electric light department could operate efficiently. Mr. Gordon liked his home town and wanted to see it grow and he took an active part in civic projects. He was associated with the business circles having operated a theatre in town at one time.
Besides his wife, Mr. Gordon is sur­vived by three sons, Wilson, Lee and Marshall, all of Rich Hill; nine grand­children and one sister, Mrs. Eva Melck, Boise, Idaho. One son, preceded him in death, May 12, 1945, while serving his country in the United States Navy, and one son died in infancy. Two brothers, John and Bill Gordon and one sister also preceded him in death.
Fureral services will be held in the Presbyterian church Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock conducted by Rev. Bartley Schwegler.
Rich Hill business house will be closed during the funeral hour Friday afternoon.
Burial in GreenLawn cemetery.

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