Robert Dyas Gordon, Sr.

Robert Dyas Gordon, Sr., 94 of Springfield, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 22, 2022 with his beloved wife of over 72 years by his side.

Robert was born in Colorado City, Texas on October 15, 1927 to William Moss Gordon and Ethel Dyas Gordon. He married Ruby Jeanne Stokes on September 7, 1949 in Abilene, TX, and she survives.

With the exception of his service in World War II and Korea, and a few years with the FBI in Washington D.C., Robert spent his entire career in the broadcast industry. As a pioneer broadcaster and television personality, he helped build a television station from the ground up in Tupelo, MS in the mid 1950’s. Robert spent the balance of his professional career as a broadcast executive, much of it in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent seventeen years as Vice President and General Manager of WCPO-TV. During his time in Cincinnati, he also served as the Chairman of the Television Board of the National Association of Broadcasters and was honored by the establishment of a City of Hope Robert D. Gordon Medical Research Fellowship.

At various times in his life he was a championship horseman, marksman, boat enthusiast, and golfer. He approached each hobby with 100% dedication. Upon retiring in 2001 as President and CEO of Boston University Communications, Inc., he became interested in art and began his art education at the Cincinnati Art Academy. He also became a member of the Prairie Art Alliance after he and his wife moved to Springfield in 2004 to be near family.

Robert was dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Gordon of Springfield; sons, Robert (Suzanne) Gordon, Jr. of Nashville, TN; Jeffrey (Bette) Gordon of St. Augustine, FL; and Gus (Claire) Gordon of Springfield; grandchildren, Jesse (Tina) Gordon; Joshua (Merle) Gordon; Grace (fiancé Mitchell Koenig) Gordon; Amy (Evan Himes) Gordon; John Gordon; Lindsay (Tommy) Dickerson; and Keri (Sean) Quinn; great grandchildren, Joshua, Sky, Avery and River; and niece, Linda Gordon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Gordon.

The family will hold a small private ceremony followed by internment at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL, 62701.

Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

©2022 All Content Obituary Systems