Gordon & Jean Eichhorn

Gordon John Eichhorn died March 16th at the Avow Hospice House in Naples, Florida. He was born March 9, 1925 in Marion to John P. and Ella Mae Eichhorn and was a 1943 graduate of Pleasant High School.

Gordon married the love of his life, Eleanor Jean DeLong, on Christmas Eve in 1944 at Epworth Methodist Church in Marion, Ohio. They shared 74 years of married life until her death in May, 2019. Over the years, they worked together on their farm as well as in their farm implement business. When they relocated to Florida in the late 1970's, they again worked alongside each other for 20 years in the real estate business.

Gordon assumed responsibilities on the family farm at a young age, often doing chores before and after school. He was an outstanding member of the Pleasant FFA Chapter and was selected as the Star Farmer of America in 1945. In a subsequent interview with the WMRN radio station about his award, he was asked what he enjoyed most about farming. His reply was, "Farming is one of the few professions where a man can still work with God and nature."

As he raised his four children, the farm life provided many opportunities to teach life's most valuable lessons. Those lessons included the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and integrity. Thanks to him, those virtues have been modeled, passed down and grafted into the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gordon's love of family was evident with each birthday and anniversary card sent, every special visit and the delivery of his strong "bear" hug, which was highly anticipated by all. He always had a listening ear, a compassionate heart and the best advice. Gordon also demonstrated selfless service to his community in his role as a member of the Pleasant Board of Education for many years. He also served over 30 years as a member and leader of the Pinewood Commons Board of Directors in Naples, Florida.

Gordon is survived by his 3 daughters; Susan (Larry) Vermillion, Nancy (Keith) Thrush, and Karen (David) Biggerstaff. Also left to treasure his memory are 7 grandchildren; Melinda (Kerry) Pittman and Kerry (Trevor) Johnson of Florida, Chad (Susan) Thrush and Kelly (Jeff) Marsh as well as Mehgan (Sean) Lucas, Elisabeth (Adam) Young, and Brian (Christina) Biggerstaff of Ohio. There are also 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild who survive.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, his parents, John and Ella Mae Eichhorn, a sister, Josephine Kyle, and his son, John Gordon Eichhorn.

JEAN'S OBITUARY:

Eleanor Jean (DeLong) Eichhorn died May 9, 2019 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1925, in Green Camp, Ohio, to Laura and Clarence DeLong, and she graduated from Pleasant High School in 1943.

Eleanor Jean married the love of her life, Gordon Eichhorn, on Christmas Eve in 1944 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion, Ohio and he survives. They shared 74 years of married life as well as a friendship that began in the 5th grade. Jean was a helpmate to Gordon as they farmed together and worked together in their business at the Dutt Implement Company for several years. When they relocated to Naples, Florida in the late 70's, Eleanor Jean again worked alongside Gordon selling real estate in the Naples area for the next 20 years.

As the mother of 4 children, Eleanor Jean was also a busy homemaker who taught her children the valuable lessons of hard work, personal responsibility, and integrity. She especially enjoyed the summer visits back to Ohio reconnecting with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She wouldn't let a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas go by without making sure some hand-picked present was there for each one to unwrap.

Eleanor Jean is survived by her husband Gordon, and 3 daughters; Susan (Larry) Vermillion, Nancy (Keith) Thrush, and Karen (David) Biggerstaff. Also left to treasure her memory are 7 grandchildren; Melinda (Kerry) Pittman and Kerry (Trevor) Johnson of Florida, Chad (Susan) Thrush and Kelly (Jeff) Marsh as well as Mehgan (Sean) Lucas, Elisabeth (Adam) Young, and Brian (Christina) Biggerstaff of Ohio. There are also 17 great-grandchildren who survive.

Eleanor Jean was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Laura DeLong, brother George DeLong, and a son John Gordon Eichhorn.