Richard F. Gordon 1929 – 2017

Biography

Richard F. Gordon was born on October 5, 1929, in Seattle, Washington, beginning a life that would take him to extraordinary heights. From his origins in the Pacific Northwest, he would go on to pursue a career that reflected the ambitions and spirit of his generation during one of history’s most remarkable periods of human exploration.

Gordon’s professional path led him to become an astronaut, joining the ranks of those pioneers who ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere during the Space Age. His service in this demanding field represented years of dedication, training, and courage in pursuit of advancing human knowledge and capability in space exploration.

Throughout his life, Gordon maintained deep connections to the places that shaped him and the institutions that honored his service. When he passed away on November 6, 2017, in San Marcos, Texas, he left behind a legacy of achievement and contribution to space exploration. His final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery stands as a testament to the respect and gratitude accorded to those who devoted themselves to this noble pursuit.