KENTON — Gordon Louis Donnelly, 81 of Kenton passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at The Ohio State University Hospital.
He was born on January 31, 1944, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to Gordon Ross and Margaret (Wennesheimer) Donnelly. On August 11, 2000, he married M. Jane Donnelly and she survives in Kenton.
He is also survived by his sons, J. Brian Donnelly of Virginia and D. Bruce (Shannon) Donnelly of Kenton and stepson, Jeremy Horstman of Delphos. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley (Andy) Gandert of Marysville, Kaley (Seth) Kaylor of Kenton, Meredith Donnelly of Kenton, Berlyn Horstman of Delphos, Madison Hughes of Petersburg, Michigan, great-grandchildren; Hudson Gandert and Atlas and Asher Kaylor, sisters; Mary (Paul) Richardson of Alger, Wanda Wagner of Tucson, AZ and a brother, Jim (Sandy) Corbet of Harrod and brother-in-law Kurt Dilbon.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Brady Donnelly; sister, Nancy Dilbone; and brother-in-law, Mark Wagner.
Gordon was a 1962 graduate of Harrod High School. He was a 30-year volunteer fireman for Waynesfield, holding every office, including Chief. He was a former member of the Waynesfield Lions Club. Gordon was a volunteer at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton. He retired from Yale Brothers printing in Waynesfield and from Cooper Tire and Rubber in Findlay. He then worked for several years at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory.
He was a member of St. John Evangelical Church in Kenton and was known as “Chef Gordon” as he cooked for several years for the kids on Wednesday evenings. He prepared coffee and doughnuts for Sunday service.
His favorite hobby was baking and showing his wares at the Hardin County Fair where he won many ribbons including several “Best of Show.” He liked doing jigsaw puzzles, he loved his dogs, Fidget and Tilly. He was a die-hard Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns fan.
A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the SCHINDEWOLF-STOUT-CRATES FUNERAL HOME where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Randall Forrester will officiate. Burial will follow in Auglaize Cemetery, Allen County.
Visitation will also e held on Monday from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Gordon to the Hardin County Council on Aging or The Brady Effect. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting stoutcrates.com.
