Gordon was born July 10, 1922 in Cherokee to Harrison and Lydia (Jepsen ) Steele. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1940 and then continued his education at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, graduating in 1944 with a degree in civil engineering. On July 1, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific for two years. On June 2, 195 0, Gordon married Joan Andersen in Cherokee. Gordon owned Cherokee Grain and Feed. He was a member and past president of the Cherokee Rotary Club, past president of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, and was a trustee and Elder of the Memorial Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter; Martha Steele, of Overland Park, Kan.; two brothers-in-law; Tom Andersen of Alabama; Paul Andersen of Hattiesburg, Miss.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Washburn Steele and Merrill Steele.