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“There was one cow that was so tame that I would ride her into the barn to be milked.” The boy’s everyday farm skills would blossom into a love of cars, hunting, fishing and family. We will miss the daily “good morning” and “good night” texts, fist bumps, and stories.
Gordon Aubrey “G.B.” Bills, 87, of Creston passed away March 15, 2022, surrounded by his family at his happy place, “his farm.” He was born May 4, 1934, in Stennett, Iowa, the fourth of five children born to the union of Dallas Leo Bills and Golda Alvetta Core. After graduating from Stennett High School, Gordon married Barbara Lee Shuey in Red Oak, Iowa, and worked as an auto body repairman.
Gordon moved his family from Red Oak to Creston in 1966 to start the Auto Body Program at Southwestern Community College. He took great pride in the program, retiring from the college in 1995, and remaining a supporter of Southwestern the rest of his life. Gordon loved to work with his hands and was proud of the house that he built on his farm using the shell of Lincoln No. 7 “Fighting Seven” one-room schoolhouse. He loved all outdoor activities; his favorite dog, Duke; the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas City Chiefs. Another passion was his GB Christmas tree farm. He enjoyed all the families that came out year after year to cut down their trees.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bernard; sister, Lois; brothers-in-law, Virgil and Bob; sons-in-law, Chester Gatliff and Michael Quinn.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Barbara Lee (Shuey); daughters, Shelley (Jeff) Longstaff; Cynthia Quinn; Kim Gatliff; son Kevin (Holly) Bills; seven grandchildren; Heather (Scott) Colvin, Adam (Liz) Quinn, Ryan Quinn, Brooke Pruitt, Amy Longstaff, Megan Gatliff, and Madison Gatliff; great-grandchildren; Jenna Pruitt, Aidain Quinn, and Harper Gatliff; brother, Marlin (Dorothy) Bills and sister, Doris Johnson.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, to establish a scholarship at SWCC for the Auto Body Program. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.