Gordon Craig LaMaster

Gordon Craig LaMaster, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on December 23, 2022, at age 89, after a brief valiant battle with prostate cancer. Gordon was born on November 18, 1933, to Ann and Herbert Craig LaMaster in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from Miami Jackson High School in Miami, Florida in 1953, he joined the Marines and served from 1955-’61. He then attended Florida State University (FSU). In 1962, he graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol’s 22nd recruiting class. After graduation, he landed a job as a safety officer for FSU’s police department, kicking off a 30-year career in public safety. He taught defensive driving and CPR to staff at FSU and to the Florida Highway Patrol and was a member of the FSU scuba and diving team. He also taught CPR and first aid to the Florida Highway Patrol and the FSU School of Nursing in the ‘80s, and occasionally taught classes for the Red Cross. Gordon was very civic-minded. He joined the Elks in 1957, he was a member of the Lions Club, and he was a Mason 3rd Degree, and Shriner Charter member of The Marzuq Shrine. He was also a regular blood donor. Gordon met Jo Ann (Murphree) in high school, and they wed in 1957, going on to have three children; Dennis Craig LaMaster, Daniel Wade LaMaster, and Diane Carol (LaMaster)Walker. After retiring in 1992, Gordon spent his time playing as much golf as he could, he also spent some time working at FSU Golf Course as a ranger. He enjoyed serving in men’s circles and teaching bible studies at his church, Canopy Roads Baptist Church and at Westminster Oaks. He is proceeded in death by his brother Van LaRoy LaMaster. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann; his children Dennis (Cynthia) of Seattle, WA, Dan (Darlene) of Louisville, KY, and Diane Walker (Jimbo) of Tallahassee, FL; nine grandchildren, Josh, Trey, Jeremy, Cameron, Nicole, Maya, Justin, Eli, and Noah; and two great grandchildren, Austen and Emmett. A graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday, January 5th, 2023, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, he wanted donations to be made to the Shriners (local or national chapter). Jared Padgett of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com).

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Gordon Craig LaMaster

November 18, 1933 - December 23, 2022