Gordon L. Julian

Mr. Gordon L. Julian, 85 of Scottsburg, Indiana entered this life October 4, 1932. He was the youngest of seven brothers of the late Otto and Elsie Mitchell Julian. Gordon graduated from Austin High School in 1949 and with his brother Delbert, opened a Standard Oil Service Station in Scottsburg at Bond and McClain streets.
In March of 1951, Gordon enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and then the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict where he was assigned as a Yeoman in the Flag Administrative Unit, Commander Fleet Air Alameda, California. In 1952, he married Mildred Owen who joined him in California and remained there when he was transferred to Japan with Flight Squadron VP19. Upon his return, they remained in California until his discharge in September of 1955. Although anxious to return to Scott County, he had fond memories of his time in the navy.
Once home he resumed his position at Julian’s Service Station and he and Millie had two daughters, Diane and Karen. When I-65 was built, he and Delbert opened a larger, modern service station at SR56 & I-65 to serve the interstate traveler. Millie became the administrative support that kept the wheels of the station running smoothly. It wasn’t unusual for him to fix a stranded motorist’s car and trust them to mail the payment later which, they always did. Additionally, it wasn’t unknown for him to host stranded travelers in his home for the night when all the motels were full. He often gave many high school boys jobs even when he really didn’t need them just to help them out. To this day it’s not uncommon to speak to many individuals in the community that “worked at the station”.
Gordon’s dedication to the community spanned decades. When he owned his own school bus, he transported church youth to outings and out of town functions. He donated and supported 4-H, Scouts, Little League, and for many years the radio warm up and wrap up for the Scottsburg Warrior’s basketball team along with supporting Christian Youth Camp and church youth groups. His tireless efforts included involvement with SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) and speaking in the schools about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. He also served as President, Director and Program Chairman of Big Brothers & Sisters of Scott County. He was a 50 year member of the Scottsburgh Lodge # 572 F&AM, an honorary member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and recipient of the State of Indiana Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Governor.
He was an avid fisherman and took several fishing trips to the wilds of Canada accompanied by friends from the area resulting in many a memorable story. His love for fishing was such that he took kids from the community fishing. Gordon was extremely active in The Kiwanis Club and served as president. He helped with their pancake breakfasts, spaghetti suppers and the Christmas Day Dinner for the needy and shut-ins. For eleven years he chaired The Pig Roast in the Park. Recently, he was honored as the Kiwanis of the Year owing to being the only active charter member since the club was organized in 1961.
When community leaders recognized the acute need for an individual with integrity to become the Sheriff of Scott County, they encouraged him to run. He served two terms from 1983 to 1991 during which time he was responsible for the construction of a new jail to replace the decrepit, unsecure existing structure. Always caring about children, whenever his responsibilities required him to remove them from a home to foster care, he first took them to a restaurant for a meal.
Gordon passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 with his wife and daughters at his side. He will be missed by his wife of 65 years Millie Julian of Scottsburg, Indiana; daughters Diane Canby and husband Steve of Clarksville, Ohio; Karen Smith and husband Elmer of Terre Haute, Indiana; his granddaughters Krista Smith, Kenna Duguay and husband Andrew, Victoria Canby, grandsons Gregory, Geoffry, Garrick and wife Cadi and Geremie Dart, Daniel Canby and great grandchildren Noah, Grant, Ayden, Julian and Andie; several brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am Monday, June 25, 2018 at Zoah Christian Church with Dr. Tom Mobley and Rev. Stanley Thomas officiating.
Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Sunday and after 10 am Monday at Zoah Christian Church. Masonic Memorial Services will be held at 7:30 pm Sunday at the church.
Interment with Military Honors will be in Scottsburg Cemetery.
Your expressions of sympathy are greatly appreciated and acknowledged. Thank you for remembering us at this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to the New Harmony Baptist Church, Zoah Christian Church or Hosparus c/o Collina Funeral Home in Scottsburg, Indiana.
Online condolences:www.collinsfuneralhome.net.