Edward Gordon

Visitation: 9:00 AM on August 27, 2011 Funeral: 10:00 AM on August 27, 2011 Edward F. "Eddie" Gordon, 87, of Decatur, IL, died Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Memorial mass will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Decatur, IL, with visitation one hour prior to service time at the church. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, will be handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Illinois Elks Childrens Care Corporation, P.O. Box 222, Chatham, IL 62629 or Cancer Care Specialists of Central IL, 210 W. McKinley, Decatur, IL 62526. Edward was born December 13, 1923, in rural Penfield, IL, Champaign County, the son of Joseph Edward and Catherine (Nolan) Gordon, and a sibling to four sisters and six brothers. He married Carol Ann (Luke) Owens on July 11, 1998 in Decatur, IL. Edward started working in his sister's restaurant business, "Kamerer's Annex" (Kam's), at age 15. He opened and managed Marty K's Drive-In from 1947 - 1959. In 1959 he became a partner in Wheat's Steakhouse in Urbana, IL and in 1968 he became the sole Owner. Edward set up and opened restaurants from 1976 to 1992, and worked at the Decatur Holiday Inn and the B.P.O.E. Lodge #401 in Decatur, IL. Edward retired in 1998. His most cherished award was given to him in 2003. Eddie was awarded the Champaign, IL Hospitality Hall of Honor for a distinguished career of service to the restaurant industry, recognizing excellence in hospitality. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in General Patton's 3rd Army in WWII and a Life Member of the V.F.W. and the Elks. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and the Knights of Columbus in Decatur, IL. He is survived by his wife Carol of Decatur, IL; daughter Diana M. (Ronnie) Clow of Champaign, IL and granddaughter Angela (Mike) Oakley of Fisher, IL; stepsons Steve (Kathleen) Smiley and step granddaughter Kaitlyn of Los Altos, CA, Hank (Angie) Gordon and step grandchildren Hank, Jr. and Alex of Alpha, IL, Roger (Heike) Owens and step grandchildren Jeffery & Stephanie Owens and step great grandchildren Jacob & Aiden; Dennis Owens and step granddaughter Rachel Owens; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his four sisters and six brothers. The family would like to give special thanks to DMH Home Health Care, DMH Hospice & DMH Palliative Care (5100) for their care and compassion given to Edward. "
}