Von R. Gordon

Von R. Gordon, 89, of Dover, passed away Monday, November 27, 2023, in his home following a period of declining health.

Born in Dover on December 28, 1933, Von was the son of the late James “Glenn” and Lela Pauline (Miller) Gordon.

After graduating from Dover High School in 1951, Von was selected to serve as an IFYE, International Foreign Youth Exchange and served in England, Scotland and Wales. When he returned home, he honorably served his country in the United States Army.

Professionally, his career spanned more than 25 years with the former Union Camp, where he retired as the production supervisor with the company. Von grew up on his family farm and enjoyed farming throughout his lifetime, also.

Passionate, fair, loyal, giving and devoted are just a few terms that epitomized Von’s life. At the center of his heart was his family. He was a loving husband, father, Lappy, Grampy, and friend. Von gave freely of his time and talent to support them with the intangibles. He has passed along a rich legacy to his family and their most cherished memories are the greatest gift he leaves behind.

Von’s faith was nurtured at Union Hill United Methodist Church where he previously served as a Sunday School teacher and as the superintendent. He was also a lifetime member of the Tuscarawas Valley Pioneer Power Association, a member of the Doughty Valley Steam, and the national, state, and Winfield Grange. It was at the grange where he met his wife, the former Shirley Ann Schaar. They were married on July 29, 1962 and have lived out their vows for nearly 62 years.

Von collected antique tractors and for many years in October, he could be found running the steam engine at the saw mill for the Algonquin Mill Festival. Helping cook maple sap at the Steel Cook House each Spring was a favorite pastime of his, too. He generously gave of his time and talent to many.

Von is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his children, Sherrie Gordon, Brenda Gordon, Paula (John) Steel, Glenn (Jim Caruso) Gordon, and Olin (Tammie) Gordon; grandchildren, Nathan (Brandi) Steel, Clinton (Kameron) Steel, and Aidan Gordon; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kassidy, and Karley Steel; step-great-grandchildren, Jaelyn and Tulsey Foster; and great-grandchildren, Aubree and Lainee Steel and one anticipated great-granddaughter in March; and his sisters-in-law, Treva (Allen) Gaskill and Marlene Gordon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Glenn” and Lela Miller Gordon; his brothers, Lyle, Olin and Doran Gordon; his sister, Glenda Gordon; and parents-in-law, Dale and Beulah Schaar.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, 5600 N. Wooster Avenue. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bill Eckert officiating. Burial will follow in Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors. Friends and family are invited back to the Geib Funeral Center following the burial where a meal will be served in the hospitality center.

Memorial contributions in Von’s memory may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.