Gordon Louis Gathright

Gordon L. Gathright is at peace with his Lord and Savior. He died on February 25, 2025, at his home in Hastings, Minnesota, surrounded by his family.

Gordon was born on November 7, 1951, to Gordon and Marjorie (Johnson) Gathright in Harlingen, Texas. He was a man of great faith, a devoted family man, and a staple in the Hastings community. Gordon touched the lives of many with his warm and kind nature, his infectious smile, and his unwavering commitment to helping families with faith services. As a pastor and chaplain, he guided countless individuals and families through difficult times, offering comfort, strength, and spiritual support. His ability to make anyone feel at ease left behind countless memories of laughter and love.

Gordon deeply valued his faith and family, living his life as a testament to these principles. His dedication to the Lord, his family, and his community made him a true role model and a cherished friend to all who knew him.

Gordon met the love of his life, Linda, at a lay witness mission in North Dakota in 1973. Their courtship was mostly a long-distance one, as he lived in Texas and she lived in Minnesota. They were married on March 27, 1976, and shared a marriage lasting almost 49 years.

Gordon attended Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and, in later years, he also spent time studying Biblical Counseling in Lafayette, Indiana. Until he died, Gordon was actively working as a chaplain at Hastings Senior Health and Living, where he served for the last twelve years. Prior to this, he served as a youth pastor for 18 years at the United Methodist Church in Hastings. Gordon also served as an interim youth pastor/pastor in several other churches in Hastings, Sunfish Lake, Plainview, and Rochester, Minnesota; Dalhart, Texas; and Tennessee. Throughout his years of ministry, he also spent many hours counseling individuals, couples, and families. He spent many moments at bedsides bringing comfort and peace.

Gardening, eating good food, the State Fair, watching Ice Road Truckers and the news, baseball, football, and reading were some of the things Gordon enjoyed. Music was also a passion. He loved to sing in any genre but always wanted it to glorify God. He took great joy in listening to his children and grandchildren play instruments and sing and was so proud of every performance. His favorite piano player was always his bride.

Gordon was tirelessly involved in many groups and projects throughout his years in Hastings and cared deeply about each cause and person that he represented. He supported veterans and sang for many of their events, sang tenor with the Augsburg Centennial Singers, was a member of the Hastings School Board, sang for Mudhens games, participated in the Hastings Family Service Project Share, led countless Mission Mexico trips, put on the best summer camp around, performed countless weddings and funerals—often officiating and singing in them—and drew students to his youth groups with his ability to see people and accept them no matter what.

Gordon was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie, and father, Gordon. He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Linda; children: Rebekah and husband Glenn from Alberta, Canada; Rachel and husband Jeff from Prescott, WI; and Andrew and wife Stephanie from South Saint Paul, MN. He is also survived by his brothers: Greg and wife Dani of Conroe, TX; Gerald and wife Hilda of Harlingen, TX; and mother-in-law, Clarice Wise of Staples, MN.

He loved and cherished his grandchildren, who will greatly miss him: Carolina (James), Ella, Soren, Jonas, Greta, Colter, and Walker. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Gordon was a supportive presence in the lives of those seeking guidance and strength, especially through his faith. He was always ready to lend assistance to families in need, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who were touched by his life.

 A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and offer their condolences during this time of remembrance.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Crossroads Church Woodbury Campus, 5900 Woodbury Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129.

Prior to the service on Friday, a family-led worship service will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Instead of a traditional visitation before the service, the family invites all attendees to come forward, pay their respects to Gordon, and then find a seat to worship alongside them. This special time of worship reflects Gordon’s deep faith and provides a meaningful way for family and friends to honor his memory together.

A reception will follow the service, offering an opportunity for fellowship and reflection. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be given directly to them, as they plan to compile these gifts into a donation to be made in Gordon’s honor at a later date.

In honor of Gordon’s vibrant spirit, the family encourages everyone attending his visitation or celebration of life to wear what makes them feel comfortable. He would have wanted you to be in bright colors, Hawaiian shirts preferred, but any bright colors are great too!

To watch the recording of Gordon's service, please click on the following link: Gordon's Celebration of Life