Gordon Wright Calderwood

Gordon Wright Calderwood was born on January 28, 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the son of William Henry Cameron and Bessie Knight (Shook) Calderwood. Gordon was raised and attended Elliot School in Tulsa and then graduating from Central High School in 1952. Upon graduation from high school, Gordon attended the University of Tulsa before enlisting into the service of his country in the United States Air Force in May of 1955. While serving his country, Gordon was stationed in San Antonio, Reno, Korea and then in New Jersey. He was honorably discharged in February of 1959. During his time in the Air Force, Gordon was married to Patty Jean Reynolds on June 6, 1956. The couple made their initial home in Tulsa and had one child, Gordon W. Calderwood, Jr. Upon completion of his military duty, Gordon attended Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University. In 1967, he was accepted into the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy and upon completion of his training earned his certification as an Oklahoma State Trooper. Gordon moved his family to Cushing for his first assignment with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and then later served in Checotah and Cleveland, retiring in 1986. He had maintained an active membership in the Oklahoma State Retired Troopers Association for the past twenty-six years. After his retirement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for a couple of years, Gordon accepted a position as a Federal Marshall at the Federal Court House in Tulsa for a while. Gordon was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Cleveland area for many years. Gordon was very devoted to his church. He lived by two basic philosophies of life; the Golden Rule and ensure you always do you best in any endeavor. He recalled fondly his association with Oklahoma State Troopers he worked with throughout the years and assisting motorists in trouble. He often said, ìDonít look back, it may be gaining on you.î Gordon was an avid motorcyclist; enjoying traveling throughout the area on his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed woodworking and leather tooling. He was proud of his Irish Heritage and remembered particularly a trip to Ireland in 1982 to meet and visit with his relatives. He also loved to listen to Irish Music and enjoyed visiting his son in Milwaukee and attending an Irish Festival there. Gordon passed away on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Cimarron Pointe Care Center in Mannford, Oklahoma at the age of seventy-eight. He was preceded in death by his parents. Gordon is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Patty Jean Calderwood of the home; one son, Gordon Calderwood, Jr. and his wife Diane of Temple, Texas; sister, Maureen Larsen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother, James Cameron Calderwood of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister in law Gay Garrett of Hominy, Oklahoma; brother in law, Dennis Reynolds of Omaha, Nebraska Funeral services services will be held 10:00 am Thursday, May 17, 2012 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Cleveland with Bishop Mike Tiner officiating. Burial will be at the A. J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.