Gordon Lee Gruver

JULY 12, 1941 - SEPTEMBER 02, 2026

Gordon Lee Gruver was welcomed to his heavenly home on September 2, 2026. He was born in Elmira, New York, July 12, 1941 to Howard and Madelene (Dykins) Gruver. Gordon lived a life of love and faith. He married his high school sweetheart Beverly S. George in 1959. They shared three beautiful daughters together, Bonnie, Cheryl, and Julie before parting ways in 1973.  He met and married his second wife Eileen M. Lodge in 1978.  They were blessed with a son Gordon Lee Gruver II, “Lee”. Their love and devotion to each other was an enduring and inspiring partnership with a shared focus on Christ and family until her passing in 2018. Gordon was a devoted caregiver to her in her last months of life.

 His final life partner was Patricia Barrett, who he married in 2021. A shared passion for Christ brought them together as they quickly realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives loving each other. After living over a year in Columbus, Ohio the couple moved to Shawnee County near Auburn, Kansas, in May 2022. They had a joyful and happy marriage.  Besides spending time on their 2 acres with all their small animals, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends, along with the fellowship of their church.

 Gordon graduated from high school in 1959 from Elmira Free Academy. He served in the US Army as a radar mechanic from 1961-1964.  He had his own repair shop for a few years.  Then he worked as disc jockey at a Christian radio station.  He retired from working for the city of Columbus, Department of Public Safety in the communications division, where he maintained the police and firefighter department radios.

He was a certified electronics technician and a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers.  He was also a licensed amateur radio operator for most of his life.  He was a model train enthusiast and enjoyed tinkering with electronics.  He enjoyed cooking, especially with the Buckeye Dutch Oven Society.  Baking his world famous ginger snap cookies was something everyone looked forward to.  For many years he was a scout master working with the Boy Scouts, Troupe 192 in Westerville, Ohio, helping to guide the next generation of young men into faithful service.  In his younger days, he enjoyed canoeing, camping and hiking.

Above all, Gordon loved serving the Lord and his church family at North Linden Baptist Church. He served by leading bible study, helping with vacation bible school, being a deacon, directing a choir and the singing in the church, as well as an accomplished organist and pianist.  He helped the church with many repairs and being an usher. After moving to Kansas Gordon served as usher at Topeka Baptist Church until health problems prevented it.  He also substituted playing the keyboard at Lifefest there. Gordon was always ready to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he could. His unwavering trust in Christ guided every aspect of his life. His legacy is one of faith, love, and kindness.  By his choice he was cremated to be placed by Eileen in Columbus, Ohio.

He is survived by wife Patricia; daughters Bonnie, Cheryl (Greg), and Julie; son Gordon II “Lee”; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers Curtis (Vera) and Paul (Judy); nieces Kimberly and Serena; and nephews Curtis and Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol, and wife Eileen.

There are two services for Gordon. The first service is in Topeka, Kansas, on September 13th at 2 pm at the Topeka Baptist Church, 3301 SW Gage Blvd. The memorial service in Columbus, Ohio, is on October 12th at North Linden Baptist Church, 1783 Melrose Ave. Service will be at 1pm with a celebration of life fellowship at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Topeka Baptist Church Justin Rhoades Mission or the North Linden Baptist Church.