Gordon Wayne Squires

Gordon Wayne Squires, age 86 of Richland passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 21, 1939, the son of Wayne and Geraldine (Carpenter) Squires. Gordon graduated from Dearborn High School and continued his education at Western Michigan University, where he received a BS & MS in Aviation Engineering Technology.

Gordon faithfully served as a medivac helicopter pilot with the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam and also served with the United States Army and Michigan Army National Guard, retiring in 1991 with the rank of Major after more than 29 years of faithful service. He also retired in 2001 from the FAA Battle Creek Inspection Field Office after more than 23 years as an Airspace System Inspection Pilot and Procedures Specialist.

Gordon married the “Love of His Life”, Suann Kay “Sue” Guenther at the St. Monica Catholic Church on December 30, 1972; she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Margene Squires of Delton; his brother, John Squires; sisters-in-law, Janae (Martin) Niecko, Pamala (Thomas) Hamilton, Amy (Dan) Wytko; and several nieces & nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents.

Gordon was a founding shareholder and Secretary of the Board of Directors for Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo and was a Charter Member of the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame. He was always very active in his community and was also a member of the Plainwell VFW, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Plainwell Music Society, and was recognized as the “Volunteer of the Year” by the Otsego Public Schools.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave. (M-89) Richland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (www.vvmf.org) or the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinsonsmi.org). Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Gordon may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.