Gordon Hannagan called many of the premier horse and livestock sales in the country, from the King Ranch to Ruidoso Downs, from the All American Quarter Horse Congress to the Breeders Classic. He honed his legendary auctioneering skills in Penfield, Illinois, before tackling the big sales in 39 states and Canada.
Born March 12, 1931, the youngest of 10 children, Gordon quickly learned the rewards of working hard, never dreaming that one day he would preside over some of the biggest auctions in the industry.
Gordon bought and sold horses to headliners like John Wayne, Loretta Lynn and George Strait, and was a good friend of people such as legendary auctioneer Ike Hamilton and Benny Binion, owner of Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas and the Binion Ranch in Montana.
Today, Gordon’s family is still involved in Hannagan Farms and Gordyville USA, a premier venue in Gifford, Illinois, that hosts numerous events and horse shows.
Gordon was a founder of the Illinois Quarter Horse Association, where he served as president and vice president. He was also inducted into the Illinois Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.
Gordon Hannagan was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2012 and died the same year.
Biography updated as of December 2012.