- Born on: December 24, 1925
- Departed on: July 14, 2025
- Resided in: Marion, IA
Gordon Allan Emmons
Gordon Allan Emmons, 99, of Marion, Iowa passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. Services will be held at a later date.
Gordon was born on December 24, 1925, in Robins, Iowa, to Allan W. Emmons and Bessie Charlotte Hoover Emmons. He grew up in Robins, Iowa and graduated from Marion High School on May 25, 1944.
At the age of 18, Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He completed boot camp and trained in Rochester New York, where he mastered Morse Code, light and flag signaling and became a skilled signalman. He served aboard a submarine chaser in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico. He was honorably discharged after his dedicated wartime service. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran and wore his Navy ballcap in honor of his service.
On June 21, 1947, Gordon married the love of his life, Eula Joyce Pearson. They recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary, a remarkable testament to their lifelong partnership. Together they raised three children, Larry of Unionville, Missouri, Paula Mitzel of Sarasota, Florida, and Wendy Bouslog of Marion, Iowa. They built a home and legacy grounded in family, faith, and hard work.
Gordon worked as a cost accountant for Allis Chalmers, then moved to Independence, Missouri and spent several years as a bricklayer. In 1953 he returned to Hiawatha at the request of his father to help run the family business, Midwest Oil Company. After his father’s passing, Gordon and Joyce purchased the company from his mother and served as president for 22 years. He later sold the business and opened an auto parts business, Midwest Automotive Supply, in Cedar Rapids. He was president and owner for 12 years before retiring. Not one to sit still, he spent two more years building homes with Hiawatha Lumber Company before finally retiring.
He loved fishing, especially trips to Lake Thunderhead in Missouri. He would fish for Crappie, bass, and walleye. He enjoyed sharing that passion with anyone that would join him. He was also a gifted and prolific craftsman. He gifted his creative works to family and the community, tangible memories of his kind spirit and generosity. He never stopped crafting, working on projects up until his final few days. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandkids who lovingly referred to him as “Old G.” Gordon was widely known for his strong passion for food. His family often brought him malts, fast food, and snacks to enjoy between meals. He even created his own version of potato salad which family and friends all enjoy.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks for the outpouring kindness and support from friends and the dedicated staff at Terrace Glen Village where Gordon resided with his wife, Joyce. The warmth and care in his final days were deeply appreciated.
Gordon Allan Emmons was a World War II veteran, entrepreneur, gardener, fisherman, artist, and most importantly a loving husband. His strength, creativity, and devotion to family leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Emmons; children, Larry Emmons, Paula Mitzel (Fred), Wendy Bouslog (David); six grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren; siblings, Dean Emmons, and Diane Emmons.
Gordon is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ellis Emmons, Joyce Zate, and Avis Kimball.
Gordon was born on December 24, 1925, in Robins, Iowa, to Allan W. Emmons and Bessie Charlotte Hoover Emmons. He grew up in Robins, Iowa and graduated from Marion High School on May 25, 1944.
At the age of 18, Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He completed boot camp and trained in Rochester New York, where he mastered Morse Code, light and flag signaling and became a skilled signalman. He served aboard a submarine chaser in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico. He was honorably discharged after his dedicated wartime service. He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran and wore his Navy ballcap in honor of his service.
On June 21, 1947, Gordon married the love of his life, Eula Joyce Pearson. They recently celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary, a remarkable testament to their lifelong partnership. Together they raised three children, Larry of Unionville, Missouri, Paula Mitzel of Sarasota, Florida, and Wendy Bouslog of Marion, Iowa. They built a home and legacy grounded in family, faith, and hard work.
Gordon worked as a cost accountant for Allis Chalmers, then moved to Independence, Missouri and spent several years as a bricklayer. In 1953 he returned to Hiawatha at the request of his father to help run the family business, Midwest Oil Company. After his father’s passing, Gordon and Joyce purchased the company from his mother and served as president for 22 years. He later sold the business and opened an auto parts business, Midwest Automotive Supply, in Cedar Rapids. He was president and owner for 12 years before retiring. Not one to sit still, he spent two more years building homes with Hiawatha Lumber Company before finally retiring.
He loved fishing, especially trips to Lake Thunderhead in Missouri. He would fish for Crappie, bass, and walleye. He enjoyed sharing that passion with anyone that would join him. He was also a gifted and prolific craftsman. He gifted his creative works to family and the community, tangible memories of his kind spirit and generosity. He never stopped crafting, working on projects up until his final few days. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandkids who lovingly referred to him as “Old G.” Gordon was widely known for his strong passion for food. His family often brought him malts, fast food, and snacks to enjoy between meals. He even created his own version of potato salad which family and friends all enjoy.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks for the outpouring kindness and support from friends and the dedicated staff at Terrace Glen Village where Gordon resided with his wife, Joyce. The warmth and care in his final days were deeply appreciated.
Gordon Allan Emmons was a World War II veteran, entrepreneur, gardener, fisherman, artist, and most importantly a loving husband. His strength, creativity, and devotion to family leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Emmons; children, Larry Emmons, Paula Mitzel (Fred), Wendy Bouslog (David); six grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren; siblings, Dean Emmons, and Diane Emmons.
Gordon is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Ellis Emmons, Joyce Zate, and Avis Kimball.
