Gordon Merrill Fales

Gordon Merrill Fales, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas died Friday, November 8, 2024 in his home.

He was born on March 16, 1939 in Allegan, Michigan, son of Merrill Fales and Mamie (Zoll) Fales.  He graduated from Allegan High School and then attended the University of Houston, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

Gordon was united in marriage to Julia Meyer and they had two children, Steve and Regina. They lived for many years in the Houston, Texas area.   While in Houston, Gordon worked for the Houston Chronicle. He held various positions during his time there, beginning his career in obituaries and eventually becoming a distribution manager.  He then took a position as a traveling salesman for Kaspar, selling newspaper racks.  He enjoyed this position as he was able to continue to be involved in newspapers and distribution.  He and his wife Julia then moved to Hesston, Kansas as this was a more central location for his sales route.  In January of 1995 his 1st wife Julia passed, shortly after he retired from his position with Kasper.

Gordon was then united in marriage on September 27, 1996 to Linda Garrett. Soon after marriage Gordon and Linda moved to Riceville, Iowa and purchased the Riceville Recorder.  Together they owned this weekly newspaper for 5 years before selling and moving to Buna, Texas.  They then purchased the Buna Beacon, a weekly publication.  They owned this paper for several years before retiring again and moving to Ottawa, Kansas.  Gordon had a deep respect and love for the newspaper, and was able to live out his dream of owning his own.

In his past time Gordon enjoyed playing cards, Monopoly, and reading.  You could often find him outside doing yard work, gardening, or woodworking.  He also enjoyed watching western movies and talking with his friends, family, and especially his wife, Linda. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Mamie Fales; and his first wife, Julia Fales.

He is survived by his 2nd wife, Linda Fales of Overland Park, Kansas, a son, Steve Fales of Houston, TX; a daughter, Regina Norris and her husband, Jack, of Katy, TX; two step-daughters, Sandra Griffiths and her husband, David, of Overland Park, KS and Maria Garrett Dye and her husband, Edwin John, of Athens, GA; a brother, Stewart Wendt and his wife, Roseanne, of Allegan, MI; 9 grandchildren, Josh Dill, Jake Dill, Julie Norris, Conner Fales, Allie Fales, Mitchell Fales, Garett Fales, Garett Griffiths, and Gavin Griffiths; and 5 great-grandchildren, soon to be 6.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa, KS.  Gordon will be interred at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to ACG Hospice and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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