Gordon Mellencamp
Gordon Lee Mellencamp, 89, of Madisonville, Louisiana went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
He was born in Boyne City, Mi., on Feb. 27, 1934, to the late Burton “Burt” Clifford and Gladys Bennett Mellencamp. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Jennie Lee Carruth Mellencamp; brother, James Mellencamp, of Pittsboro, NC; and sister, Mary Welling of Grand Rapids, Mi.
Gordon graduated in 1952 at Mt. Pleasant High School. He attended Navy flight school in 1955 and remained in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1962. While he was in the reserves, Gordon attended college and obtained his bachelor's degree in urban planning in 1960 at Michigan State University. Gordon would later go on to get his first master's degree in environmental science and his second master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology.
In 1966 the Mellencamp family relocated to Chattanooga, where Gordon accepted a job as an Urban Planner for the City of Chattanooga Planning Commission. During his time with the city, he was also asked to be the executive assistant for the mayor and an administrative assistant for Erlanger Hospital. He retired from the Planning Commission in 1999.
After retirement, Gordon moved to beautiful historic Madisonville, Louisiana, where he enjoyed numerous activities. Gordon was larger than life, he had a great sense of adventure and loved to stay active. Some of his activities included traveling, skydiving, being a black diamond skier and anything having to do with the water and the outdoors.
He was a longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga and attended Covington Presbyterian Church in Covington, La.
Gordon loved animals (especially the strays), Halloween, Mardi Gras and spending valuable time with family and friends. He never met a stranger. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his son, Jeff Mellencamp (Lori) of Chattanooga; daughter, Lora Haddox (Brad) of Madisonville, La.; grandchildren, Caroline King of Atlanta, Katelyn Mellencamp, of Chattanooga, Brittany DeVun (Justin) of Madisonville, La., Zach Mellencamp (Christa) of Chattanooga, Josh Mellencamp and Ashlee Mellencamp, both of Chicago; great-grandchildren, Myles and Sloan DeVun of Madisonville, La.
The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A funeral service will occur at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, in the chapel with Pastor Eric Mullinax officiating. Interment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family would like to say a special thanks to the Windsor Senior Living Community and all the hospice caregivers at Interim Healthcare for all their love and care.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House at: www.rmhchattanooga.com
Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Gordon Mellencamp