Charles Gordon Heath was born December 14, 1943 in Harper County, Kansas, son of George Sherman and Deloris D. (Dunkin) Heath.  He grew up in rural Attica, graduating from Attica High School with the Class of 1961.  He served his country in the Army National Guard.

On December 17, 1967, Gordon was united in marriage with Bonnie Jean Lunsford at the Faith Baptist Church in Sharon, Kansas.  They made their home in Attica where they raised their three children: Michael George, Cheri Diane, and Toni LeAnn.

Gordon raised and trained greyhounds for many years.  He was a member of the National Greyhound Association.  He enjoyed many careers throughout his life and worked as a carpenter for Al Niemann Construction, a bulk tank driver for Mobil Oil, custom combined, and was a self-employed contractor.  He was well known as Coach Gordo working for USD #511 Attica Public Schools in transportation and maintenance and coached track, with pole vault being his passion, which he coached for over 40 years.

Gordo was most known for his competitive spirit, from a simple debate, to greyhound racing under GoBon Kennels, to coaching pole vaulting. He would list his greatest accomplishment as coaching over 40 1A State Qualifiers (boys and girls), with 11 State Champions over a span of 5 decades, including coaching 5 of his grandchildren, with 1 being a State Champion.

On July 6, 2023, Gordon passed away at Patterson Health Center at the age of 79.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Effie Ann Heath and Edna Jean Meirhoff.

Gordon will be deeply missed by his wife, Bonnie; children: Mike Heath of Soldatna, AK and companion, Tammy Foster,  Cheri Ricke and husband, Bret, of Attica, KS and Toni Dark and husband, Eric of Attica, KS; 9 grandchildren; Brittany (Danton) Hilton, Brooke Ricke, Brady (Sarah) Ricke, Ryan Dark, Samantha Dark, Brenna Ricke, Ava Dark, Daniel Heath and Baylee Ricke; 5 great-grandchildren; Bronson, Blakely, Baker Hilton & Delilah and Dove Ricke; sisters: Wynona Barber and husband, C.W., Mary Clasen, Sue Kurt and husband, John, and Lynn Wells and husband, Shorty; several nieces, nephews, former students, and a host of friends, as well as his greyhound and pole vaulting/track family.

Memorial graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Attica Cemetery with Pastor Tom Walters officiating.  Lunch will be provided for family and friends at the Attica Memorial Building following service.

Friends may sign the online register at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com.

Memorials in memory of Gordon may be made to Attica High School Athletics and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.12/14/