Gordon Leon Pilcher, 71, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor Gary Van Nyhuis officiating. Burial will be in the Dunnville Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield beginning at 3:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Gordon’s honor may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Shriners Children’s Hospital and may be mailed to 1837 Brookville Rd., Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Gordon Leon Pilcher was born on January 17, 1954, in Ottumwa, IA. He attended school and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1972, and soon after began a career that would lead him down many rewarding paths. Road construction took him to Fairfield, IA where he met his future wife, Barb Rippey. They were united in marriage in 1974 at the Fairfield Friends Church. Gordon’s career advanced as he took on a role at Iowa Malleable in the Pattern Department, serving the company loyally for 21 years until its closure.
A believer in education and self-improvement, Gordon returned to school at Indian Hills where he excelled and made the Dean’s List in Business Management. His professional journey continued as he ventured into sales at Fairfield Lumber and later opened his own auto repair shop, Pro Motors. Gordon was versatile in his work spending time as a real estate agent before eventually becoming a facilities manager for Cambridge and the Sondheim Center in Fairfield.
In his retirement, Gordon combined his love for animals and his knack for business to start Waggin Tails Boarding, a service where he cared for and boarded pets. He found immense satisfaction in providing a home away from home for the furry companions of others.
Gordon’s early years were peppered with memorable moments coaching little league softball, where he helped shape the lives of many young athletes. His passion for rebuilding and collecting cars was more than a hobby; it was a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He loved the outdoors with a particular fondness for camping and fishing. Gordon and Barb shared a love for travel, exploring far-off places together and collecting stories along the way. His interest in knives and guns led to a remarkable collection, each piece with its own story, much like Gordon himself.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Burrows Pilcher; his siblings, Russell Pilcher, Charles Pilcher, Carol Paxton, and Eva Pilcher; and a grandchild, Rena Pilcher.
Gordon’s memory is cherished by his wife, Barb Pilcher of Fairfield, IA; his children, Deon (Dave) Rude, Erin (Denver) Carlson, and Jerod (Jenn) Pilcher; his eight grandchildren, Alie, Logan, Dallas, Jacob, Aspen, Josua, Evan, and Lillith; two sisters-in-law, Sally Pilcher and Betty Vealey; and a brother-in-law, Larry (Cindy) Rippey, as well as many extended family and friends.
