Gordon Duane Mero

        Our family is sad to announce that Gordon Duane Mero, our devoted head of the family, passed away on June 17, 2026 at age 87.  He was in Valley Hospital surrounded by loving family as he passed and a prayer was said to recognize the love and knowledge that as a believer he would move on to a better place and no longer be in pain.

        Gordon was born in Kalispell, Montana on October 29, 1938, as the first child to Walter Morris Mero and Eleanor Therma (Salter) Mero.  The family lived in Polson, Montana and Mullan, Idaho before settling down in Kalispell to help Walter’s mother with her farm.  He attended Demersville, a small country school, and then went to Flathead County High School where he enjoyed sports and being on the football team.  Geometry was required to graduate in 1956.  This class had him seated next to Marjorie (Marge) Nyquist.  They talked, dated, and ultimately were married in Los Angeles County, California on February 4,1958.  Prior to marriage he spent a year at Western Montana College of Education in Dillon, Montana and a few months in Portland.  Then he went to Newhall with his cousin Jack Salter.  Marge followed in a couple months.

        Gordon’s career began on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work.  He was mechanically inclined and worked at Standard Stations of California.  With no self-service, he talked to his customers.  His station was on the main route to Los Angeles, coming from Montana, it was fun to meet and talk to movie, sports, and other notable personalities who stopped for service.  Fishing and hunting with friends and family were his love so he decided to move his family back to the northwest.  First, it was Spokane, Washington where his maternal grandparents resided, then Kalispell to lease his own Chevron service station, later a salesman at Montgomery Wards, and then back to Spokane to partner in a Husky station.  Before retirement he started a small engine repair and sales shop on North Crestline.  Then he relocated Mero’s Spokane Engine to West Francis.  After retirement he became an avid fan of television sports at home and when traveling. He was always willing to give a smile or a hug at church or visiting friends and relatives.  Gordon made himself available to transport his mother and grandfather to stores and appointments. He also helped family members with tax preparation using his degree from Kinman in Accounting. 

        Gordon loved cooking and barbequing, taking joy in perfecting recipes and preparing memorable meals for loved ones. Gordon served through Audubon Park United Methodist meal ministries supporting their Food Bank. His address for over 40 years was Nine Mile Falls, Washington.  With acreage he could watch wildlife, enjoy the privacy of country living and do woodworking projects in his shop. 

        Gordon is survived by Marge, his wife of 68 years; their daughter Sheryl (Doug) Florance (with his 5 children) and Sheryl’s three children Crystal Bott (Jered), Michael Burns, and Sarah Witter (Matt) as grandkids,  and 6 great grandkids with one great great grandchild (making 5 generations). Their son, Duane Mero (Tiffany Rose with her 6 children) survives along with his two children, Teresa Mero (with Jayden and Emma) and Angela Mero (fiancée Chris).  Also surviving is his loving sister Mary Anne (Michael) Melby and their two children, David Melby and Michelle Melby.

        Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Therma Mero; dear brother Vernon; uncles Stanley Mero and Horace Salter; and all his grandparents. 

        A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on August 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Audubon Park United Methodist Church (APUMC), 3908 N. Driscoll Blvd., Spokane, WA 99205. A reception will follow in the church parlor.

        Gordon’s cremated remains will be placed later at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.

Should you desire, you may contribute to APUMC, Spokane Wildfire Relief 2026 or APUMC Food Bank Program in Gordon’s honor.