Wayne Eugene Gordon, 79, passed away on February 4, 2025, with his daughter by his side. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Wayne was a true original, a Cajun and Creole gourmet/home chef, history buff, and natural storyteller. He attended Edward Hynes Elementary School, PGT Beauregard Junior High, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and cultivated a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors in the Boy Scouts. A proud Falcon, he lettered in football and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. He earned his BA in History from Louisiana State University in New Orleans (now UNO), where he was sports editor of the Driftwood newspaper and a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity.

Wayne and his beloved Dena built their life in Metairie and his hobbies included genealogy, outdoor sports, and the YMCA father/daughter program. His eclectic career path spanned working for Kehoe-France Day Camp, the YMCA, WBOK Radio, WDSU, and two decades as an award-winning salesman at Kirschman’s and Rooms to Go Furniture. He was an enthusiastic singer in the St. Augustine Episcopal Church Choir, loved reading and collecting books, and was always ready with a joke, anecdote, or bit of trivia. 

An avid board member of the BFHS Alumni Association, he thoroughly enjoyed Homecoming and reminiscing with the Class of ‘63. His love of football was legendary and in addition to following local high school teams, he was a spirited Saints, LSU Tigers, and Notre Dame fan. 

As a docent at The National WWII Museum and The Historic New Orleans Collection, he delighted in leading tours and sharing his vast knowledge of history, and through The Caledonian Society of New Orleans, showed his affinity for Scotland, bagpipes, and the “Gordon plaid.” 

He relocated to the suburban Chicago area in 2021 but never lost his penchant for grits, doberge, “poorboys,” and other NOLA culinary specialties. His unique voice, sense of humor, and expressions made an impression on everyone he met and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Gordon (John Jung), sister Elizabeth Henzler (Thomas Henzler), nieces Althea Vallotton (Troy Vallotton) and Jennifer Salcich (Zach Salcich), and beloved extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Dena Glazer Gordon, sister Barbara Gordon, and parents Harry Valeton Gordon and Loraine Prindle Gordon.

Sincere gratitude goes to the Otis and Foster families, the Prindle cousins, and numerous friends and family for their enduring love and support throughout his prolonged illness. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Episcopal Relief & Development, WYES-PBS New Orleans, The St. Charles Center for Faith + Action, or the charitable organization of your choice.

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