John Gordon "Duke" Gambon passed away on December 26, 2016, after a brief illness. John was born on October 10, 1930 in Chicago IL to John and Viola Gambon.

John grew up an only child in Chicago. He spent many summers living with relatives in Bloomington Illinois. While attending St. Benedict's College in Atchison, KS, John joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean conflict. John graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor's degree in business management.

John loved sports. He played semi-pro football with the Austin Blues and boxed in the Golden Gloves in college.

He had a love of traveling, having owned his own single engine Cessna in his younger years.

In 1952, he married Rose Marie Pickman. They adopted two sons, John "Rocky" Gambon and Mark Gambon. John and Rose remained married an amazing 64 years.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his loving wife Rose; two sons John and his wife Karen, and Mark and his wife Gretchen, both of Springfield; two grandchildren John and James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 29, 2016 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on East Seminole. Rosary will be said at 6pm, with visitation following until 8pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on December 30, 2016 at 11am. John will be laid to rest at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.