On Friday, November 14, 2025, Gordon Rudolph Thorn passed away peacefully after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 94 years old.

Gordon was born on August 31, 1931, in Mullens to Stanard and Nannie Sue Echols Thorn. After graduating from Mullens High School, he continued his education at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1953 and a Master of Arts in Psychology in 1955.

In June of 1960, Gordon married the love of his life, Martha Edmunds Talman. Together they built a loving family and shared many wonderful years raising their three children: Sarah Thorn Staley, John Hunter Thorn, and Susan Updyke Peradotti.

Gordon was an active member of the ROTC while attending WVU. Following his graduation from WVU, Gordon entered the United States Air Force as an Officer and proudly served from 1955 to 1957, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life, including his time as Director of YMCA Camp Horseshoe in Parsons, West Virginia, from 1961 to 1964, and through many years of service on the Board of the Ohio-West Virginia YMCA. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Black Diamond Girl Scouts, continuing his commitment to service.

Gordon dedicated more than four decades of his life to West Virginia University and its students. Beginning in 1957 as Assistant Director of Student Affairs, he went on to hold numerous leadership positions, including Associate Director of Student Affairs, Assistant Director of Student Educational Services for Financial Aid, Associate Dean for Student Educational Services for Financial Aid, and ultimately Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs in 1981. He retired in 1997 after more than 40 years of loyal service to the university community he loved so deeply.

Throughout his career, Gordon served on countless university committees and played an important role in shaping campus life and facilities, including the planning of the current football stadium, the Shell Building, the Mountainlair expansion, and the Student Recreation Center. His love for WVU history and student affairs remained strong long after retirement. In 2006, he co-authored The Mountaineer Statue with Scott Rubin and continued working with the Student Affairs history and memorabilia collection until declining health made it difficult to continue. A proud member of Mountain Honorary during his student years, he later served as the organization's advisor for 30 years, mentoring generations of students.

Gordon's dedication and impact earned him many honors. He was selected as a charter member of the WVU Student Affairs Hall of Fame in 1997, received the Paul B. "Buck" Martin Award, and was named the WVU Foundation's Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer in 2001. In 2002, he was inducted into the Order of Vandalia, the university's highest honor for extraordinary service. He also served as President of the Emeritus Club from 2006 to 2007 and was recognized as the WVU Alumni Association's Outstanding Alumnus in 2007.

Beyond WVU, Gordon was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council from 1982 to 1988 and received the council's Thanks Badge Award in 1988. He also served for many years on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and was inducted into the Mullens High School Hall of Fame in 1982.

While Gordon was widely respected for his professional accomplishments, those closest to him will remember him most for his kindness, curiosity, and love of family. He found joy in working in his yard, bird watching, and feeding the many wild animals that visited his home. Family trips were among his greatest pleasures, and every adventure included at least one stop at a historical site. Above all, Gordon adored his five grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them through the years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Talman Thorn; his parents, Stanard and Nannie Sue Echols Thorn; and his son-in-law, Dale Staley II.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Thorn Staley, Susan Updyke Peradotti, and John Hunter Thorn (Sarah Tuttle Thorn); his cherished grandchildren, Meghan Moughan, Makayla Staley, Lelia Peradotti, Paul Peradotti, and Paige Thorn; his sister, Carolyn Thorn Junkins; and several beloved nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who lovingly cared for Dad and made it possible for him to remain in the comfort of his home. Their dedication, compassion, and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. The family also extends its sincere gratitude to WVU Caring and Amedisys Home Health for their unwavering support, guidance, and care throughout his journey.

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held as a drop-in reception on Saturday, June 13, from 2:00- 4:00pm at E. Moore Hall. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember a man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his family, community, and beloved West Virginia University.

Those wishing to honor Gordon's memory are invited to make a donation to the following organizations:

•WVU Foundation One Waterfront Place - 7th Floor PO Box 1650 Morgantown, WV 26507 or by clicking HERE

•Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, WV 321 Virginia Street West, Charleston, WV 25302 or by clicking HERE

•YLA Camp Horseshoe Horseshoe Leadership Center 3309 Horseshoe Run Road Parsons, WV 26287 or by clicking HERE