Gordon L. Stafford

Gordon Linn Stafford, 77, of Boon, Michigan, passed away on March 8, 2026. Born on May 14, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan, to Gordon and Lila (Morris) Stafford, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1972. In 1978, he moved to the Cadillac area, where he put down deep roots in the community he loved.

On June 30, 2001, Gordon married Deborah Lynn Berndt. He was the founder of the Blessing of the Jeeps, an event that began in 2001 as a modest 45-jeep trail ride at Boon Baptist Church and grew into a major annual gathering in Mesick that drew thousands of participants each year. Gordon was also a devoted member of Resurrection Life Church of Cadillac.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; daughters Jennifer (Alan Franklin) Stafford and Amy (Jeremy Nobach) Stafford from a previous marriage; daughters Melissa (Steve) Hocking and Lisa (Justin) Lucas; grandchildren Ryan Busch, Joshua Stafford, Shelby (Davontae) Madden, Gaberial Helmer, Lylla Helmer, Katelynne Helmer, Alana Lucas, Jeremiah Lucas, Doro Hocking, and Gideon Lucas; and two great-granddaughters. He is also survived by nephews Harold “Chip” (Julie) Stafford and Bradley (Amanda) Stafford, and Jodi Person and her children, Tyler and Morgan. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Lila Stafford; his brother, Harold Stafford; his sister, Carol Person; and his nephew, Chad Person.