Gordon Aloys Crader

**Obituary for Gordon Aloys Crader**

Gordon Aloys Crader, a cherished resident of Thornville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6th, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on December 26th, 1932, in Hamburg, Illinois, Gordon lived a life marked by dedication to his family, community, and friends.

Gordon was the son of the late Rufus Cecil and Cordelia Jane Crader. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years Thelma, his son-in-law Chuck Shafer, and ten siblings. He is survived by his loving children: son Roger "Lee" Crader (Melody), daughters Mitzi Shafer and Christine (Rich) Hoffer. Gordon was a proud grandfather to Charlie (Michelle), Jessica (Calvin), Brian (Mallory), Noah (Lindsey), and Nate, and a great-grandfather to Autumn, Adi, Avery, Cash, Peri, Veda, Dia, and Oscar. He is also survived by his last remaining sister, Loretta O'Neal, and many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

In his early years, he was a tugboat crewman on the Mississippi River. Gordon then dedicated many years of his life to farming with Wolfe Farms, and then worked for Pleasant Township in Fairfield County. After retiring at the age of 56, he and his wife started flipping houses long before it became a trend on television.

A proud Navy veteran of the Korean era, Gordon will be honored by the Thornport Amvets for his service. He was actively involved in his community as a 4-H leader and was known for his love of auctions, where he was both a collector and dealer. Gordon also found joy in fishing, a pastime that brought him peace and happiness. Gordon was also a member of Somerset Church of Christ.

Visitation will be held at Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Services in Thornville, Ohio, on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm in the same chapel. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Gordon's life and legacy. Graveside Military honors by the Thornport post of Amvets will follow at Lutheran Reformed Cemetery, where Gordon will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Thelma.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to FairHoPe Hospice, 282 Sells Rd, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, in Gordon's memory.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Altercare, Thornville, as well as Thelma and Gordon's long-time in-home caregiver, Katie Bowshier.

Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, Thornville, is honored to care for Gordon and his family during this time of loss. Gordon will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his community, and his zest for life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.