J. Gordon Schaetzel 78, of Pine Mountain, GA; formerly of Hicksville, NY passed away on August 23, 2009 surrounded by his family.

He was born August 1, 1931 in Staten Island, NY to Jules and Jane Egbert Schaetzel.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lynn Patterson Schaetzel; his son, Jeff Schaetzel of Canton, Conneticut; Robert (Bob) Patterson of Pine Mountain, GA; Kathy Patterson Colberg of Pine Mountain Valley, GA; Sherie Patterson of Phoenix, Arizona; Stuart Patterson of Copiague, NY; Alicia Patterson Anderson of Johnsonville, NY; Dwight Patterson of Charlotte, North Carolina; 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Alison Schaetzel. He served his country during the Korean Conflict in the Air Force, graduated college from NYU Design School and had a career in Advertising with Satchi and Satchi in New York City. During his time in Hicksville, Gordon was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Levittown; serving as Deacon, Elder and Clerk of Session. Gordon and Lynn moved to Pine Mountain, six years ago and quickly became active in the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, serving on multiple committees and volunteered whenever asked. In addition, Gordon became active in the LaGrange Symphony, Springer Opera House, Sunnyside Historic Foundation, Friends of the Harris County Library and the Early Childhood Literacy Project in Harris County.

There will be a memorial service Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 1:15 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange and Saturday September 19, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church of Levittown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, subject line: Harris County or The Sunnyside Historic Foundation mailed to P.O. Box 51, Hamilton, GA. 31811.