Gordon Mitsuo Honda

Gordon Mitsuo Honda, born on June 1, 1945, in Puunene, Maui, Hawaii, to Minoru and Yukie, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the age of 81.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Maxine S. Honda; his parents; two brothers; one sister; one son-in-law; and one son.

Gordon leaves behind his daughter, Laurie Ann Mitsue Honda of Mabelvale; his son, Shawn Mitsuyuki Honda of Benton; his daughter, Shelby Pualani Sturdivant of North Little Rock; his son, Dion Gordon Honda (Carol) of Sherwood; his daughter, Sherry Ann Kupau (Leonard) of Maui, Hawaii; 16 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hanayo Nakao and Carol Sakai (Ken), both of Maui, Hawaii; and a host of family and friends.

Gordon was a proud United States Army Veteran who served his country with honor and distinction. Throughout his military service, he received numerous awards and commendations, which he proudly displayed as a testament to his dedication and sacrifice. He was a lifetime member of The American Legion of Arkansas and the Disabled American Veterans Commanders Club, where he held Silver Leader status. In recognition of his faith and commitment to fellow veterans, he was elected to serve as Chaplain for the Arkansas Chapter of the Blind Veterans Association.

Gordon's devotion to serving others extended beyond his military service. In 1989, he was ordained as a deacon at Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church. On April 26, 2002, he was honored with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) Student Choice Award as Staff Member of the Year. He also earned two Honor Graduate Dual Program Certificates from the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Blind Rehabilitation Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, reflecting his determination and commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Little Rock, Fort Roots, and Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care Systems for their compassionate care and support. Special thanks are also extended to the Journey Sunday School Class at Second Baptist Church, the church families of Second Baptist Church, First NLR, and Rock Creek, and to our family and friends, whose love, prayers, and encouragement have meant so much throughout the years.

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First NLR, located at 4501 Burrow Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood with Military Honors.