Born in Fairmont, Minnesota on April 25, 1928 Gordon graduated from Elmore, MN High School in 1946, and from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. degree in 1950. He taught at Spearfish, SD High School 1950-1952. He married Phyllis Anderson of the Black Hills College Faculty in 1951 and received an M.A. from Louisiana State University in 1954. He joined the Adams State College (University) faculty as a History Professor in 1956, commencing a tenure of 31 years. Dr. Gillson received his History Ph.D. from LSU in 1960. He was a lifetime member of the Organization of American Historians. While in England, he briefly attended Oxford University in 1963. Dr. Gillson authored two books on the history of Louisiana public health. He retired from Adams State College as Professor Emeritus of History in 1987.

Following retirement, Dr. Gillson remained very active as a golfer and bridge player. Gordon and Phyllis visited Europe several times, and traveled widely in the United States. Gordon was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, a trustee of the SLV Regional Medical Center for 30 years, and served several years as a director of the SLVRMC Foundation.

Dr. Gillson is survived by daughters Deborah (Perry McAnally) Gillson of Edmond, OK, Shelly (Jeff) Nelson of Shakopee, MN and by four grandchildren, all of whom have earned college degrees.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa, Colorado. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alamosa with interment to follow at the Alamosa Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.rogersfunerals.com