Rufus Benjamin "Ben" Gorden

Rufus Benjamin “Ben” Gorden was born on July 20, 1960, and passed away on his birthday, July 20, 2024. He was born to Jefferson Burney Gorden and Mary Beth Demoney. Ben was named for his grandfather, R.B. Gorden, whose Scottish family members were early pioneer Limestone County residents. 

Ben loved his family, friends, students, the farm, and all topics related to sports. He was an avid movie buff, and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about movies, actors, and movie plots. Ben loved his former students and took great pride in their accomplishments…past and present. One could frequently find Ben at a former student’s basketball, football, or track game. Ben was a loyal friend.

He was a great admirer of John Wayne. Two of his favorite John Wayne quotes were “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” Another favorite quote that reflected his life was “Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.”

Ben graduated from Coolidge High School in 1978 followed by graduation from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He served the Gholson ISD as Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher, and then served in Wortham ISD as a social studies and physical education teacher, and coach. Ben coached football, cross country, basketball, tennis, softball, baseball, track and field. Additionally, Ben was employed at the Brookhaven Youth Ranch where he worked with at risk youths. 

Ben is survived by his sister, Jenny Gorden and her son Daniel Gorden of Hubbard, nieces and nephews, Carla Ashmore Kutscherousky of Coolidge, Clay Ashmore of Tehuacana, Jessica Mazanec and husband Eddie of Waco, and cousins Julia Gorden Bennett of Coolidge, and Joy Bounds Murphy of Rockwall. Survivors also include a host of special nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews, and many beloved cousins and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Burney and Mary Beth Gorden, and siblings Ina Gorden Rickard, Jan Tillie Gorden Ashmore, Julie Barham Wasson, Linda Barham, and Bill Barham.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 1:00 PM, Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home, 605 S. McKinney St. Mexia, TX 76667 with Reverend Justin Colquette officiating. Visitation and burial will follow service. Inurnment: Tehuacana Cemetery, Tehuacana. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Orozco, Randy Boley, in addition to "Band of Brothers" high school, college, life: Stephen Spencer, Scott Spencer, Wyatt Wilson, Mark Miller, Jeff Mayes, and Billy Poteet.

Two of Ben’s favorite quotes: 

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller 

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of Will.” Vince Lombardi Jr