Gordy was born November 19, 1929 in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Wallace E. Matthews and Marion (Koch) Matthews. He was survived by his wife, Ginny for only four days. Surviving are three children: Robin, Ronly Goldman (Mike), Craig (Linda); six grandchildren: Taylor Goldman, Dylan Matthews, Conor Matthews, Trevor Goldman, Ace Matthews, Olivia Farr and two great grandchildren: Boaz Matthews and Vivian Farr.
Gordy grew up in Dunlap, IL and graduated from Dunlap High School in 1946. He attended one year at Antioch College in Ohio before choosing to serve as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War. He served from April 1948 through April 1952.
In 1956, Gordy graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, IL. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the secret campus prankster known only as “The Shadow.” While attending college, Gordy met and married Virginia Dare.
After graduation, the two continued living in Illinois where Gordy farmed until retiring in 1992. During the winter months he and Ginny enjoyed being “snowbirds” in Key Colony Beach Florida from 1965 on until they became permanent Florida residents in 2025. There they lived in the home Gordy helped build in 1969.
Gordy was a warm, good, and kind man with a great sense of humor. He loved a good joke or story, but most of all he enjoyed good conversation with family and friends over a weak cup of coffee or early evening cocktail. He also enjoyed hunting, sailing, camping, canoeing the boundary waters and fishing. Â
Gordy was known for being a great listener and someone who was always ready to lend a hand, an ear, or a tool. He could fix anything from shoes to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing issues. He was a master builder and everything he made he was built to last.
Gordy had a big heart and never met a stranger. He met people where they were at with acceptance, love, a smile, and a heartfelt wave or hug. He was generous, loyal, honest, accepting and beloved by family and friends alike.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Observing their wishes to be spread in the places they loved and share fellowship with the people who helped make those places so special, we’ll say goodbye at the following:
- January 30th 1:00-4:00 p.m. – 500 5th St. Key Colony Beach, FL
- May 8th 9:00 a.m. Brown Family Cemetery – 606 Valley Dr. Lemont, IL
- 1:00 p.m. Prospect Cemetery – 15701 IL-91, Dunlap, IL
- 6:00 p.m. The Happy Spot – 1667 Hoover Rd. Deer Grove, IL
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit the Tree Store.
Share condolences at garlandfuneralhomes.com.
