Bruce Gorden

On October 3, 2023, the strongest man we know, Donald Bruce Gorden, closed his eyes on Earth and opened them in the arms of Jesus with a big smile on his face. He probably hugged Jesus and said something like, "I always said I was your favorite. I beat my sisters up here so that just proves that you only take the best and here I am." Then he had a reunion with his mom, Eva Lee, and dad, Carl. What rejoicing there was on streets of gold. Then in true Bruce Gorden way, he went to inspect Heaven's forest, probably trying to talk Jesus into opening up a lumber mill. So don't be surprised when you get to Heaven and there's a mill. Heaven is a whole lot sweeter because he's there. Although our hearts are shattered, we rejoice in knowing he's made whole, cancer free, forever to live with his redeemer.

Bruce was born on August 4, 1953 in Atoka, OK to Carl and Eva Lee Gorden. He lived his life with an immense love for his family, and cherished any time he spent with them.

Bruce's lifelong passion was the timber business, and for 40 years was employed as the general manager of Southern Forest Products. He cared deeply for those he worked with, and they became family to him. Even in sickness and a battle with cancer, he oversaw the reconstruction of Southern Forest after a devastating fire.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife: Kaye; his four children, whom he loved with all his heart: Josh Gorden of Antlers, OK, Anne Gorden Courtwright of Antlers, OK, Karla Ammons of Red Oak, OK, and Jay Gorden and wife Erica of Antlers, OK; four sisters: Teresa Romines of Antlers, OK, Karen Henderson of Jacksonville, FL, Diedra Wood and husband Carl of Bentonville, AR, and Lisa Freeman and husband Wayne of Noble, OK; 10 grandchildren: Cassidy Short, Hannah Courtwright, Bradyn Courtwright, Jaylei Gorden, Coben Gorden, Luke Gorden, Owen Gorden, Cady Mae Ammons, Cy Ammons, and Case Ammons; 4 treasured great grandchildren: Grady Jones, Harper Jones, Aspen Short, and Caiden Fields; as well as his three furbabies, Princess, Cooter, Frank, who he loved dearly.

This is Blue Goose and I'm Gone Gone.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 5-7PM at Serenity Funeral Service in Antlers, OK. A funeral service will be held at Farris Baptist Church at 1:30PM on Sunday, October 8, 2023 with Lonnie Satterfield officiating. Pallbearers include: Bradyn Courtwright, Coben Gorden, Cy Ammons, Jeremy Ashworth, Scott Walker, and Jeremy Short. Honorary pallbearers are Ron Tomlinson, Ron Walker, Randy Dewberry, Wayne Freeman, Gary Meek, Jon Pollack, and Carl Thomas Wood. Bruce will be laid to rest at Darwin Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers, OK.
 

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