Gordon Eugene Dunkleberger
Gordon Eugene Dunkleberger passed away on December 29, 2023, in Lumberton, Texas. While fighting a battle with cancer, he showed his long-lasting love for his brothers, sisters, and the family he created. He left this world as the patriarch, knowing he was loved by everyone who looked up to him. Before his passing, Gordon achieved the celebration of his 90th birthday. He loved to spend his time hunting, golfing, coaching little league baseball, cutting firewood, and tending to his Knock Out roses.
Gordon was born on December 19, 1933, to Clarence and Eliza Dunkleberger, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was one of eleven children, with seven brothers and three sisters. Growing up, the meaning of hard work was instilled in him, and he took pride in supporting his family. While he attended Williamsport High School, Gordon played football and became an accomplished running back. He was offered a scholarship to the University of Miami in Florida, but declined the offer due to his selfless dedication and love for his family, prioritizing his work on the homestead.
Gordon was a veteran in the United States Army, serving at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Exercise Sage Brush at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After his release from the Army, Gordon began working a career with Anchor Darling Valve Company in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He worked there for eighteen years until the local company downsized due to economic conditions. This brought on a life-changing opportunity to join the American Valve & Hydrant Company in Beaumont, Texas. He joined the Beaumont location in 1971, where he worked for twenty-five years, and retired a beloved employee in 1996.
Gordon married his childhood friend turned high school sweetheart, Billie Dunkleberger, on June 28, 1958. Together, they raised three sons and two daughters, and this year they celebrated sixty-five years of a loving marriage. Gordon and Billie were long-time members of Northwood Christian Church in Beaumont, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Billie Dunkleberger; sons, Todd Dunkleberger and his wife, Judy; Blake Dunkleberger and his wife, Kristi; Blane Dunkleberger and his wife Rosalind; daughters, Lynne Blount and her husband, Tim and Carrie Weems and her husband, Tony; thirteen grandchildren, Brittany, Lindsey, Chase, Stacy, Heather, Ryan, Tyler, Logan, Brendan, Peyton, Brooklyn, Torrie, and Brylee; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers, Delroy Dunkleberger; Gary Dunkleberger and his wife, Cindy; sister, Donna Sullivan and her husband, Mark; their children and grandchildren; and others that were dear to his heart.
Preceded in his death were his parents, Clarence and Eliza Dunkleberger; brothers, Eldon, Dalton, Jerry, Laverne and Virgil; sisters, Thelma and Janet; and great-grandchild, Aiden Lowry.
A gathering of Mr. Dunkleberger’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- January 8, 2024
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Silsbee
- 490, Cemetery Road, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- January 8, 2024
- 6:00 pm
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
I worked with Gordon many years ago at American Valve & Hydrant. I’m saddened to hear of his passing. You all have my deepest sympathies. May God bless and rest his soul.
Much love to you Billie and all the family, and prayers of peace and comfort.
Gordie was always a warm and welcoming face at Northwood, when my family first came to Northwood Christian Church in 1984, and grew to love the whole family. A favorite fun memory is when he played golf with the guys at our CASA Golf Tournament. Thankful for Gordie in my life!
Todd:
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I did not know him personally, but I know he raised a son that was well respected at Entergy and the Entergy family. I know he would proud of you and your family. May you find peace in knowing that he is with the Lord and watching over you and your family from above.
Todd& Judy I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I pray for your family during this difficult time.
Todd and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will hold you all close in my thoughts and pray for the Lord to comfort you all during this difficult time.
So sorry Billie to learn of your sad loss. During my many years at AVH – Gordon was my all time favorite boss – he taught me so much and helped me thru some tough times both professionally and personally and was the driving force behind our first of 23 annual March of Dimes Golf Tournaments- couldn’t have done it without him in those early years…..I will keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.
Billie and family: It was our great pleasure to know Gordon and your family as I worked with Gordon at AVH. He was a good man and earned the admiration of all who knew him. We have all aged beyond expectations, but that is God’s providence and we thank Him for his blessing. May you be comforted by God’s love and the love you share with each other.
I was saddened to hear of Gordon’s passing. I worked with him at “The Valve” for several years. His office was across the hallway from mine and I would give him grieve about “what is a Nittany Lion?” We played a many a round of golf together after work. He was respected by those he worked with and supervised. I know he will be missed by all that knew him. My sincere condolences to his family. Ricky Tate
Todd, so sorry for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace. Prayers for you and all your family.
Sorry to hear about Mr. Dunkleberger, prayers for his family. I worked with him from 1972 to 1980 at ADV and have very nice memories of our efforts. Rest in peace sir.
To Billie and the family I know you miss this wonderful man and you loved him dearly. He has touched so many lives and I am so blessed to be one of them. He taught me and my Dad so much about golfing. I found a new live of sport through him and Dad. Gordon was just that to me my other Dad. I will always cherish my memories of him and he will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. But remember that Gordon has already started playing that first 9 hopefully with my Dad and they are haveing a blast. He is right where he loved to be. Hugs and love to you all
Gordie was a wonderful person. His personality shows in his children and grandchildren. He always had a big and warm hug. He surely will be missed. Prayers go out to all the family for strength and guidance thru God.
Always remember you. Take er easy. Much love
I never met him, but I knew him well, from the stories that Blane told. “Go Fly high on that mountain. Son, your work on earth is done. Go to Heaven a shoutin’ , praise for the Father and the Son”.
Gordie was one of the first people we met when we moved to Beaumont in 1977. He and his family became friends and mentors as we served and worshipped at Northwood Christian Church. We are so thankful that the Lord brought us all together. Much love to Billie and the family.