Gordon Dean Kesselring was called home to his Lord and Savior on Friday morning, November 14, 2025, at 82 years of age. Born December 20, 1942, in Iowa City to Carroll and Beatrice (Vesely) Kesselring of Parnell, Iowa, Gordie grew up grounded in family, faith, and the values that would guide his life. He graduated from Williamsburg High School and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, where he met his first love, Linda (Schmid). They were married on August 21, 1965, and shared 40+ years of devotion and partnership.
Gordie answered the call to serve his country in 1966, joining the United States Air Force and becoming a pilot. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he earned his master's degree from Webster University. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for safely returning to base in a QU-22B aircraft after his only engine quit over the wrong side of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He went on to fly the C-141, receiving many medals and honors throughout his career to include 4 clusters on his Air Medal and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on June 30, 1989. Following his military service, Gordie continued to pour his gifts into aviation by helping integrate C-141 simulators into the training world as the first training manager for Hughes Technical Services at Altus Air Force Base. He later served at Tinker Air Force Base with Raytheon and L3 Communications as an AWACS E-3 instructor, retiring in 2006 after a lifetime of guiding and inspiring future pilots.
Gordie was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. Family and friends were central to his life. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Altus, and he cheered faithfully for his Iowa Hawkeyes, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Altus Bulldogs. He found joy in dancing, traveling, estate sales, collecting treasures, golfing, and woodworking. On October 8, 2016, Gordie married BJ (Beck), and together they embraced life with gratitude and enthusiasm until her passing.
Gordie is survived by his sons, Brian (Shannon) and Kevin (Jennifer); his grandchildren Payton, Preston, Paxton, Cailey (Kyle), and Caden; and his great-granddaughter, Scottie Grace. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Glendle (Schmid) Reeve, Joanne Schmid, and Janyce Schmid; many nieces and nephews; and BJ's children, Renee Fulp, Kim Crouch, and Jeff (Debbie) Crouch and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Beatrice; his first wife, Linda, and his second wife, BJ; his brother Ron (Sara Jane); his sister Marcia (Don); his brother-in-laws, Phil, Ron, and Mark; and his niece, Kathy Reeve.
Gordie's life was marked by courage, service, devotion, and love. Those who knew him will carry his steady kindness and faithful spirit in their hearts. May he rest in God's eternal peace. Gordon's celebration of life will be Saturday, November 22, at 2:00 pm at the Saint Simeon's Chapel, 3701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tulsa, OK. His graveside services will be held on his birthday, December 20th, at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 2301 E Indian Hills Road, Norman, Oklahoma at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to The Parkinson's Foundation or Saint Simeon's in his name.