Gordon Ransom
Gordon Ransom aged 89 of Ionia passed away peacefully at his home November 4, 2008. Gordon was the fourth of five children born to Oliver R. and Amanda J. (Howard) Ransom. He was born May 27, 1919 and christened Russell Gordon, being called Gordon by his mother at an early age which continued throughout his lifetime. Gordon was raised on a farm North of Ionia and later resided in the city. He attended rural schools and graduated from Ionia High School in 1937.
Gordon met Barbara Griswold in 1939 and it was love at first sight. They were married on December 30, 1939 in Portland, Michigan. They were blessed with two sons but the advent of World War II soon affected their family. Ten days following the birth of their second son Gordon reported for duty with Army, not to return home for three years.
After the war Gordon returned to his family in Ionia and began employment in various occupations ranging from milk delivery to salesman. Most of Gordon’s life was spent in automobile sales including ownership of his own dealership for a short time in Belding. Following his retirement he and Barbara moved to Edinberg, Texas where they resided for ten years The onset of Barbara’s health problems prompted their return to Michigan where Barbara died on November 30, 1999.
Gordon enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years beginning with a interest in motorcycles as a young adult. He and Barbara were members of the Ionia Motorcycle Club in the late 1930s and early 1940s, enjoying many excursions throughout Michigan on their Harley-Davidson bikes. Following the war years the family enjoyed boating and water skiing, and later years cruising on Lake Michigan in their cabin cruiser, the Michiguma (Indian for Land of Many Lakes). Retirement also found them pursuing golf while in Texas, a sport Gordon enjoyed for the remainder of his life along with bowling on the senior league. To conquer his fear of flying, Gordon took flying lessons in the mid 1960s, eventually earning his pilot’s license and the enjoyment of flying his Cessna in the years to come.
Gordon is survived by his sons David and Evelyn of Lyons and Richard and Marilyn of Ionia. Four grandchildren, Susan and Jared Collins of Ann Arbor, Cheryl and Michael Burdo fo Grand Rapids, Pamela Stowell and Michael Ransom both of Ionia. Three Great Grandchildren Troy Stowell, Jennifer Stowell and Megan Ransom. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, two brothers , Howard and Kenneth, two sisters Bernice Reyburn and Thelma Gustafson.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Ionia with Pastor Robert Nixon officiating. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Anyone wishing may make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church in care of Lake Funeral Home - Ionia.