Gordon Plumb

With a heavy heart we said goodbye to Gordon "Gordie" Plumb, 85, of Carbondale, Illinois on December 9th, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Gordon was born on August 10th, 1940 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Ernest and Marguerite Plumb. Gordon graduated from New Hampton Prep School in New Hampshire where he played on the football, basketball and baseball teams. His 1960 football team went undefeated, an achievement he attributed to his refusal to wash his lucky socks. He was inducted into his high school hall of fame in 2023. He played quarterback for University of Massachusetts before joining the Army. He was stationed in Germany where he met Monika, his wife of 61 years.

After serving in the military, he earned a Bachelor's degree in English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He also attended Friederich Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany for one year. He taught and coached at North Yarmouth Academy in Maine and at a high school in Altensteig, Germany. He later earned a Master's Degree in Psychology at Northeastern University in Boston. He moved to Carbondale and earned a PhD at SIU in Psychology. He opened a private practice in Carbondale where he practiced psychology for 47 years.

Gordon enjoyed planting flowers, driving his tractor on the farm, golfing, playing bridge, watching sports, listening to classical music, reading and spending time with his family. Many people might remember him as a sideline referee at his grandchildren's sporting events. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Monika.

He is survived by his wife, Monika; children Daelia (Jimmy) Ayers and Thara Lowndes (John); grandchildren Jaden Ayers, Hannah Lowndes, and Elliot Lowndes; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his dear brother, Leslie "Porky"; sister-in-law, Patricia; sister, Jackie; and niece, Peggy-Ann.

Gordon was an incredibly generous person and never knew a stranger. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, and friend and made everyone around him feel loved. He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion renew humanity.

In lieu of flowers, donations to can be made to : 1) Green Earth: https://greenearthinc.org/remembering-gordon-plumb online or by mailing a check with Gordon's name to Green Earth at PO Box 441, Carbondale, IL 62903.

Or

2) The Nature Conservancy: https://preserve.nature.org/page/81523/donate/

If you want to send the optional online card as prompted to his family, use cdale708@yahoo.com as the recipient's e-mail or you can mail a check to The Nature Conservancy Attn: Treasury 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, VA 22203 USA or donate by phone (800) 628-6860

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Gordon, visit www.meredithfh.com