He married Diane McLain in Clinton, MO on February 25, 1967, and she survives of the home.
He was employed with Missouri Public Service, now Kansas City Power & Light, in various capacities, most recently as store keeper. He retired in 2009 after 42 years of service. He was also a cattle farmer. He served as a medical corpman with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, receiving the Purple Heart after taking shrapnel in his arm during combat.
Gordon was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, the Clinton Elks Lodge #1034, Eagles Lodge 3667, and the Clinton American Legion Post. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, tending to his cattle, cutting wood, anything outdoors, his morning coffee gatherings, and most of all, hanging out with his grandsons.
In addition to his wife Diane, surviving are one son, Brad Barbee and his wife Stacy, Lee's Summit, MO; one daughter, Jami Voelmeck and her husband Scott, Clinton, MO; four grandsons, Jackson Voelmeck, Clinton, MO, Christian Voelmeck, Clinton, MO, Braedan Barbee, Lee's Summit, MO and Kellen Barbee, Lee's Summit, MO; two brothers, Paul Barbee and his wife Rita, Clinton, MO and Chris Barbee and his wife Colleen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; one brother-in-law, Van McLain, Harrisonville, MO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gordon's wishes were to be cremated with no formal services. Family services will be scheduled for a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Gordon Barbee Scholarship Fund, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.
