Gordon Louis Haight, 89, of Ormond Beach, Florida entered into rest Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 70 years, Angele (Minguerra) Haight; son, David L. Haight and daughters: Linda L. (Edwin) Roach; Diane M. (Patrick) Steele; Loretta A. (Sean) Glenn; Lisa M. (late Paul) Cutshall; and four grandchildren Seth, Amanda, Brian, and Cara. He was the dearest brother of Lena (Duane) Russell.

Gordon was born in February 1927 at Somerset, New York to Harold and Florence (Eaton) Haight. He enjoyed working on their family farm during his youth, but his goal was to become a military officer, so he chose to enlist in the Army one month after graduating from Barker Central High School in 1945. By the end of that year, he graduated from basic training and received orders for Europe. He served in the Army Postal Office (APO) in both Belgium and France, and by spring of 1946, he gained charge of APO 21, the largest APO in southern France.

Marseille, France on the Mediterranean Sea is where Gordon met Angele, a beautiful-brunette who spoke very little English. Although he spoke even less French, they enjoyed spending time together and by November of 1946, they married returning to the States in 1947. With his spirits set on going to Officer Candidate School (OCS), Gordon enlisted in the New York Army National Guard and began the qualifying process for the OCS program. He completed his studies, graduated from Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C., and served 38 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was a life member of the New York Army National Guard, 127th Tank Battalion and a member of the Military Officers Association of America. His service awards include but are not limited to the European African Middle East and American Theater campaign medals, the Good Conduct, American Defense service, World War II Victory, German Occupation medal. Upon retiring, he received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Governor's Veterans Service Award in 2016.

Gordon had a wonderful sense of humor, was kind, doing for others with no expectations, maintained an attitude of curiosity, always interested in learning new things, and very creative. His hobbies included; bible study, gardening, fishing, building dulcimers, working with stained glass, and playing the organ. He and Angele traveled extensively around the world for pleasure. He enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight Program to Washington, D.C. on October 19, 2013. Besides his military service, he was also a manager of the meat and deli departments for Super Duper Groceries Stores in Buffalo, NY. In his mid-fifties, he changed professions becoming a Real Estate Broker and opened Carriage Realty in Lockport NY, prior to his retirement to Florida.

Gordon and Angele moved to Ormond Beach, FL in 1991, where they have been active members of North Peninsula Baptist Church, and where Gordon served for many years as a Deacon. His strong Christian faith has always guided his heart and actions through the many pathways of his life. Gordon said, "Always give credit to the one who is really in control, the hand that is watching over you". He exemplified it by adding, "I have been blessed beyond words, both in my military career, professional careers, and with a close knit family. I could never wish for more".

Gordon L. Haight is to be inurned on June 3, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. with Military Honors at the Memorial Wall of Jacksonville National Cemetery located at 4083 Lannie Road; Jacksonville, FL 32218. Friends and family are welcome.

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