Donald C. Gordon

Donald C. Gordon, 101, of Piqua, Ohio, beloved patriarch of a large extended family, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at his daughter's home in Bellefontaine. He had been continually loved and cared for by his children and grandchildren until the end of his life.
Don and his twin sister, Madelyn, were born to Raymond and Agnes (Konzen) Gordon on the family farm outside Deshler, Ohio, on October 22, 1923. Don and his seven siblings were raised on that farm, and it was there he discovered his love of agriculture. He graduated from Deshler High School in 1942 but was deferred from service in the U.S. Army until after his brother Bob returned to the farm from his tour of duty. During that interval he worked on the farm and at Koppenhofer Bros. Poultry in Deshler as a poultry dresser and driver. Once in the Army, Don served as a radio operator in Deggendorf, Germany from 1945 to 1947. He returned to the US in January 1947 after a treacherous 3-week North Atlantic crossing in heavy seas. He told the story many times of surviving the War but not expecting to survive the journey home, and he never forgot about the day the Statue of Liberty welcomed his boat home.
Don married the love of his life, Rose Mary Jones, in Deshler, Ohio, on April 12, 1947; they were married for 64 years until her passing in 2011. Don and Rose Mary were blessed with 5 daughters and 2 sons, who were raised with love in a strong Catholic tradition. Don spent his career as a poultry and red meat inspector with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and moved his growing family several times when he was transferred to meat and poultry processing facilities in and around Athens (Georgia), and later Piqua, Harrison, and Celina, Ohio.
Don learned woodworking from his father, and he built two homes for his family. Don and Rose Mary were active and expert square and round dancers for many years. In retirement, Don taught himself needlework skills and proceeded to hand-quilt dozens of Rose Mary's quilt tops which were gifted to family or donated to charity. Don volunteered at St. Boniface parish in Piqua for many years and is especially remembered for serving at daily Mass and training young altar servers. He made thousands of rosaries which were donated to various missions around the world.
For the last ten years Don was lovingly cared for by his children and their families in their homes in Piqua; Naples, Florida; Bellefontaine, Ohio; Beavercreek, Ohio; Taylor Mill, Kentucky; and Lakeside, Ohio. Don was kept well-supplied with his favorite foods of shredded wheat, mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken wings, chocolate ice cream, and salt. He looked forward to the weekly Zoom call with his kids and loved waving at each one personally as their face appeared on the screen. Don is survived by his seven children and their spouses: Jeanne (Joe) Grilliot, Judy Householder, Diann (Rod) Brower, Jane (Jim) Farley, MaryAnn (Rich) Kelmer, Joe (Janice) Gordon, and Mike Gordon; 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Dolores Jones and Mary Jones, dozens of nieces and nephews, family friends, and special grand-dog, Cooper. Don had a warm and friendly spirit, a deep devotion to his wife and family, and an unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. He made the world a better place.
In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by his dear twin sister, Madelyn Marie Gordon RSM, his sisters Mary (Bob) Haffner, Helen Rita (Ves) Neiling, Catherine (Francis) Gerschutz, and Clara (Don) Pittlekow; brothers Bob (Leoma) and Walter (Ramona); infant twin sisters Henrietta and Loretta, one stillborn sister; and sons-in-law Mike Householder and Glenn Gault.
The family will welcome visitors on Thursday, June 19,2025 from 8:30am to 9:30am at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home in Piqua, OH.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Boniface Catholic Church in Piqua on Thursday, June 19,2025 at 10:30 am with Rev. Fr. Jim Duell Celebrant.
A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Piqua on Friday June 20,2025 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ohio's Hospice (www.ohioshospice.org) 3230 N County Rd 25A Troy, OH 45373 or St. Boniface Catholic Church 310 S. Downing St. Piqua, Ohio 45356.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.melcher-sowers.com.