COLUMBIA CITY – Norman Dale Gordon, 84, Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly at 8:54 p.m. Oct. 12, 2013, at his residence. He was born July 5, 1929, in Tipton, to Edward and Mabel Geiger Gordon. On Dec. 24, 1950, at the Rev. Marion Shroyer’s parsonage in Columbia City, he married Margie Alice Gaerte, who survives in Columbia City. They were married 62 years. He grew up in several locations, but spent a great deal of his childhood in Churubusco, and graduated from North Webster High School with the Class of 1947. He entered the United States Air Force in 1951 and served as a weapons mechanic. He was employed for short periods at LML and W.A. Jones, both in Columbia City, and then worked 33 years for Dana, Fort Wayne, in the assembly line. He also was a lifetime grain farmer, living at his present home since 1953. However, his true passion and love were flying. In 1967, he built and operated Gordon Airport in Columbia City, and at age 84, on the day of his death, he flew his plane for the last time, checking out local farmers harvesting. He was a member of The Chapel, Fort Wayne, where he served as an usher. Previously, he and Margie were faithful attenders at Oak Grove Church of God where on August 1954, under Pastor Hubert Miller, he became born again. He was a faithful volunteer serving meals at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. Also surviving are a daughter, Debbie (and spouse Wayne) Kreiger, Columbia City; two sons, Randy (and spouse Julie) Gordon and Ben (and spouse Michel) Gordon, both of Columbia City; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, LaVon Steffen, Fort Wayne, and Inez (and spouse Roy) Caywood, Syracuse; and one brother, Raymond (and spouse Joan) Gordon, Wolcottville. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dan Lee Gordon; two brothers, Clifford and Virgil Gordon; and one sister, Geneva Gordon. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with Pastors Rick Hawks and Mark Clough officiating. Committal service and burial will be in Grove Cemetery, Columbia City. Calling is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission or Heritage Mission. Condolences may be sent via www.demoneygrimes.com
