NORMAN DALE GORDON

Norman Dale Gordon, age 84, of Columbia City, IN passed away unexpectedly at 8:54 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2013 at his residence.Born on July 5, 1929 in Tipton, IN, he was the son of Edward and Mabel(Geiger) Gordon.

Norm 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 married Margie Alice Gaerte on December 24, 1950 at Rev. Marion Shroyers parsonage in Columbia City. 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, Norms true passion and love was 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, Norman and Margie were faithful attendees at Oak Grove Church of God, where on August 1954 under Pastor Hubert Miller, Norm became born again.He was a faithful volunteer serving meals at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Margie Alice Gordon of Columbia City; daughter, Debbie (Wayne) Kreiger of Columbia City; 2 sons, Randy (Julie) Gordon and Ben (Michel) Gordon both of Columbia City; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, LaVon Steffen, Fort Wayne and Inez (Roy) Caywood, Syracuse and 1 brother, Raymond (Joan) Gordon, Wolcottville. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mabel Gordon; son, Dan Lee Gordon and 2 brothers, Clifford and Virgil Gordon and 1 sister, Geneva Gordon.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastors Rick Hawks and Mark Clough officiating. Committal service and burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Gordon's memory to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission or Heritage Mission.