Lt. Col. Gordon William Carver, USAF (Ret.)

 Lt. Col. Gordon William Carver, USAF (Ret.), a devoted husband, father and friend, passed away on April 21, 2026. Born on August 15, 1941, in Oakland, California, Gordon lived a life defined by service, dedication, and deep love for his family and friends. 

 He was the son of William S. Carver and Jolena (Rathwick) Carver. Gordon began his military career as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force after earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology. During the Viet Nam Era, he served as Aircraft Maintenance Officer with the 924th Tactical Fighter Group Strategic Air Command. (now a group calling themselves the “924 TFG Outlaws – Austin). He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving with distinction as a 301st Fighter Wing Logistics Group Commander until his retirement. 

 Following his military service, Gordon remained actively involved in his community. He was a faithful member of First Methodist Church in Weatherford and one of his greatest joys was singing in the choir. He gave selflessly of his time to youth and agricultural programs from Houston, Cypress, Fort Worth and Weatherford. He and his wife, Happy, have been involved in 4H and FFA activities for over 50 years. He was a member of National, State and numerous Breed Specific Rabbit Associations. He was a Board Member of the Texas Satins rabbit group. He also served as a past chairman and active member (40 years) of the Houston Livestock Show Rabbit Committee, and Co Chairman of the Rabbit Committee for Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show (39 years). An avid gardener, Gordon shared his passion through active membership in several Iris and Daylily societies across Texas. He was a past Regional Vice President for Region 17 of the American Iris Society; past president of the National Tall Bearded Iris Society and he was a Master Iris Judge. He was also an active volunteer at the Ft. Worth Botanic Garden (39 years). 

 While his accomplishments were many, Gordon’s greatest pride was always his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Claire Jo "Happy" (Elliff) Carver of Weatherford, Texas, with whom he shared a life of enduring love and partnership. 

 He is also survived by his daughters and sons-in law, Wendy and Craig Harding, and Marci and Bill Cawley; and his grandchildren, Alex Harding; Claire Harding and fiancé, Evan Gotchel; Ty and Micaela Cawley; Jessica Cawley; Sarah and Austin Williams; and Eli Cawley, all of whom brought him great joy. One of his greatest joys was sharing epic adventures with his grandchildren. 

 Gordon is further survived by his siblings, Darrel Carver and Shann Carver, and Terrie DeLiz, sister-in-law, Linda Elliff; stepsisters, Bonnie and John Saludes and Katy and Russ Huggins. Brother, Brian Carver and wife, Francine are both predeceased. There are many extended family members who held a special place in his heart - including his nieces, Michelle and Tim Thackston, Dana Carver, Jodie Haltom-Aasa, Jamie Flynn and family; and nephews, Todd and Mati Carver and family, Lance Carver and family, Rance Elliff, Cindy Killam and family, Chris Elliff, Gretchen Gettelman and family, Neil Elliff, Victoria Baumann and family, and Rick Hauschel and family.

 Gordon’s life was a testament to selflessness and steadfast devotion. His commitment to his country, his community, and his family leaves a lasting legacy of honor, love and service.

 A memorial service honoring Gordon’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at First Methodist Church Weatherford, 301 South Main Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086, with full military honors.

 In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Parker Co. 4-H PLA organization scholarship fund.

Mailing address: Parker Co. 4-H, 604 N. Main Street, Ste. 200, Weatherford, TX 76086

Make checks payable to: Parker Co. 4-H PLA

Memo: Scholarship Fund

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