Donna and Gordon Marcum share much appreciation for having been raised in loving homes by Christian parents and grandparents who modeled a standard of honesty, respect and responsibility. Donna shares, “My parents taught me to love my God in heaven and I have truly sensed His presence, holding my hand all the time.” Donna was raised in the East Texas town of Athens. Her parents owned and published the town newspaper, the Athens Daily Review, and always modeled for their children the importance of giving to one’s church and community.
This foundation radiates throughout Donna’s life; choosing the field of Education at Southern Methodist University, she “loved serving humankind by teaching in the pre-schools and early elementary grades for twelve years at Chapelwood Pre-School, Spring Shadows Elementary, and St. Francis Episcopal Day School. I thank God for the tremendous gift of investing in those young lives.” As a member of The Junior League of Houston, Inc., Donna was offered a position – “I spent thirty fantastic years working for this excellent women’s charitable organization!” Longtime League member Jackie Greer described Donna as, “the Darling of the League with understanding being her golden quality, using it with dispatch and sound thinking as she grows in wisdom and masters the needs and visions of others.” In retirement, Donna’s time is enjoyed through treasured friendships in her Bible Study Group and the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
In 1992, God’s blessings were great when Gordon moved to Houston and met Donna, “my soulmate!” As members of First Presbyterian Church – Houston, Donna and Gordon serve God and speak of their bountiful joy experienced in church and community roles. For twenty-four years they have served as coordinators for the annual retreat at MO Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, as well as sponsoring an AAU Summer Basketball Camp for 6th through 9th grade “at risk” boys.
A native Texan, Gordon was raised in Sweetwater and Midland. He shares, “my college fraternity mentor, a Catholic priest, challenged me to reflect God’s love to everyone which led me to a life of service.” From being a Chaplain in his fraternity to ROTC to law school then after serving in the Army AG Corp as a Captain and the Senior Military Leadership Instructor, Gordon was appointed as the Director of Oil and Gas of New Mexico by the Governor of New Mexico; on to Juvenile Defense attorney for West Texas, Teen Court Judge, and being awarded as a Distinguished Alumni by The University of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents. Gordon states a highlight was serving as one of the coordinators for Midland’s First Presbyterian’s 100th Birthday Project, “Puentes de Cristo” wherein youth groups built five medical clinics in Mexico to provide healthcare for families. Gordon has served the Nehemiah Children’s Center in many roles and was honored with a Volunteer Award.
Appointed an Associate Judge for the City of Houston and a full-time Judge in 2001, Gordon
has served as the jail and property hearing Judge for the City. United States District Judge D.
W. Suttle recalls Gordon Marcum’s representation, “his diligent and effective advocacy….vigorous representation by appointed counsel….Although implicit in an attorney’s duty….his efforts were far greater as the record reflects.” In 2006, Gordon was recognized by the TMCA as the Judge of the Year and by the Houston City Council as Houston Judge of the Year. Gordon humbly offers, “As a Judge in Houston, it is an enormous privilege to work alongside non-profits and the Houston Police Department’s Special Units as our Court has been able to assist people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, human trafficking, domestic violence and substance abuse.”
Donna and Gordon Marcum are folks after God’s own heart! They beam when speaking of their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. As the 2018 recipients of The Anne and Judge Edward H. “Ted” Patton, Jr. Award, the Patton Family and PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE acknowledge Donna and Gordon’s distinguished achievements. We honor them for their desire “to continue serving Our Lord, as He directs our paths in His service and ministry.”