Gordon Douglas Carroll

Gordon Douglas Carroll


January 29, 1959 – September 19, 2025

Gordon Douglas Carroll, 66, of Littleton, Colorado, went home to be with the Lord on September 19, 2025, during surgery. Born in London, Kentucky, to Lawrence Lee Carroll and Vida Mae Ball, Gordon was lovingly raised from the age of four by his father, Lawrence (Larry) Carroll, and his stepmother, Ruth Vanneman Carroll, in Lakewood, Colorado. He attended Alameda High School, where he enjoyed acting in school plays and competing on the debate team.

 At eighteen, Gordon joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for seven years, attaining the rank of sergeant and being selected for staff sergeant. Following his military service, he pursued a distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1986, Gordon attended Colorado Mountain College, where he received his Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy Certificate, followed by additional specialized police training at Arapahoe Community College. That same year he began his long service with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2020.

Gordon became a highly respected K9 handler, trainer, and instructor, working with four dogs over more than three decades—JR, Max, Thor, and Arrow. Alongside his K9 partners, Gordon assisted the DEA, FBI, and numerous other agencies in the detection and apprehension of criminals and narcotics. Together, they were responsible for over two million dollars in narcotics seizures, thousands of felony apprehensions, and were first responders to the 2012 Aurora Mall shooting and the 2013 Arapahoe High School shooting. Gordon retired in 2020, with K9 Arrow retiring at his side.

 In 1976, Gordon met the love of his life, Rebecca Ann Guttormson, while the two were working at the Royal Fork restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado. Though they attended rival high schools—Gordon at Alameda and Rebecca at Lakewood—their connection was undeniable. They married in 1980 and built a life together grounded in faith, love, and devotion.

Together they raised four children: Athena Marie Leo (whose husband, Matthew Leo, preceded Gordon in death in May 2025); Cassandra Nicole Ortler and her husband Chris (children Clementine, Noel, Aislynn, Cillian, Avery, a new addition expected in January, and Gabriel who is with the Lord); Natalie Rose Hall and her husband Matt (children Addison, Roland, Verity, Amalie, Evelynn, a new addition expected in May, and Chimmy and Wonder who are with the Lord); and Anthony James Carroll and his wife Danae Pruit Carroll (children Elijah, Roman, Serena, Grace, and Noah who is with the Lord). Gordon is also survived by his stepmother Ruth Vanneman Carroll, two half-sisters, Brenda Carroll and Jerrie Lynn Utz, and a half-brother, Steve Woods. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vida Mae Ball, his brother, Larry Carroll, and his father Lawrence Lee Carroll. 

 Gordon gave his life to Christ in 1996 and became a bold defender of the faith. Mentored by Pastor Bob Hill and Pastor Bob Enyart, he dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel, leading countless people to salvation through Jesus Christ. In 2000, Gordon helped found Denver Bible Church alongside Pastor Bob Enyart and his brother-in-law, Eric Guttormson. After Pastor Enyart’s passing in 2021, the fellowship continued under the name Agape Kingdom Fellowship, where Gordon remained faithfully involved. His faith was the foundation of his life and the comfort of his family.

 Alongside his service in the Marines, law enforcement, and ministry, Gordon was a gifted storyteller. His love for books began in childhood, inspired by Jack London, and blossomed into a lifelong passion for reading and writing. What started as bedtime stories for his children became a prolific writing career. He authored fourteen books, including GUNWOOD USA and the beloved Gil Mason Sheepdog series, weaving together his real-life experiences with fiction. His work became widely read and loved, earning him a dedicated audience and recognition as a bestselling author. Gordon was also an active member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, where he spoke on panels and performed K9 demonstrations.

Above all, Gordon was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He delighted in spending time with his family, creating obstacle courses, making trips to the “candy store,” and telling unforgettable stories. His big personality, humor, courage, and faith left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

 Gordon’s life was one of service, faith, and love. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to God, his bravery in protecting his community, his gift for storytelling, and his deep love for his family.

 A brief military service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service at Calvary Chapel South Denver, 9052 W. Ken Caryl Avenue, Littleton, CO 80128.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: https://secure.anedot.com/crtl/carroll or to Back the Blue K-9 Force or Colorado Right to Life

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