Gordon Murdock

Gordon B. “Gus” Murdock, Sr., 94, of Conneaut Lake, passed away peacefully Friday, December 11, 2020, at Marquette Hospice House in Meadville, PA, surrounded by family. For the past several years, he was lovingly cared for by his daughter and granddaughter, Jeanette and Jenna Hart.

Born July 30, 1926, in Bradenton, FL, Manatee County, he was the second son of William F. Murdock and Janette Lawson Murdock. After high school graduation in 1944 in Haines City, FL, Gus enlisted into the U.S. Army Company F 23 ^rd infantry regiment as a nineteen year old PFC, prepared to serve his country during WWII. He quickly was recognized for his adept marching skills and became a squad leader. Shortly after boot camp, he and his regiment were shipped out to fight in Central Europe. As a rifleman, he was sent to Czechoslovakia until the war ended. He was honorably discharged after being awarded a Combat Infantry Badge, an EAMETO medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a WWII Victory Medal.

On a vacation to PA in early 1947, he met Ida Brown, and after a whirlwind romance they were married on September 24, 1947, and began residing in Conneaut Lake. While raising four children, Gus worked for Avtex Corporation in the spinning and temperature control departments, retiring after 42 years. He enjoyed learning new skills, and with the help of a certified plumber friend became adept at plumbing, electrical, and masonry repairs. Additionally, he earned his private pilot’s license in the 1960’s, and a radio communications diploma from DeVry Institute of Technology in 1975.

Gus had a number of interests. He loved the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed teaching his sons and grandsons the art of safe and successful hunting. In addition, drifting around Conneaut Lake with his wife and other family members in ‘the ole fishing boat’ was a favorite pastime. He also enjoyed gardening with his wife, tinkering in his garage, and taking meticulous care of his machinery and vehicles. Country music, especially George Jones, and dancing the jitterbug and the two-step were among his great pleasures.

A quiet, reserved guy, Gus enjoyed a good joke, loved family gatherings, and took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He had an amazing work ethic and strove for perfection in all that he did. His guidance, love, and devotion to family will be carried on through those left behind, and his presence will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ida of 64 years, his son Gordon Murdock Jr., his granddaughter Kathryn Nicole Murdock, his only sibling and brother, Bill Murdock , a nephew, Robert Murdock, his parents, and a grandmother, Emma Murdock, who helped raise him.

He lived, he loved, and he left a remarkable legacy for those left to mourn him. Survivors include three  children: Joyce Hogan (John) of Meadville, (Bill) Murdock (Kathy) of Florida, and Jeanette Hart of Conneaut Lake: ten grandchildren: Tami (Bryan) Farrell, Lori (Jeff) Sutton, Lisa Hogan, Jeff (Kenda) Murdock, Scott Hogan, Tawyna (Ryan) Morian, Jenna Hart, Brad (Tracy) Murdock,  Jennifer (Colin) Stutts, John (Kyla) Murdock. Great- grandchildren include Jaiden Hogan, Laiken Murdock, Davis and Zachary Morian, Savannah Murdock, Avery, Rory, and Ethel Stutts, and Madelyn Murdock. Step great- grandchildren include Tyler Farrell, Natalie Bentz, and Brad Stoeger. Step great-great- grandchildren are Emmersyn and Lydia Bentz. He is also survived by four nieces: Lynn Thompson, Judy Donley, Wini Carter, and Janie Schaibly, all of Florida.

Due to COVID concerns, there is no funeral service. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Harmonsburg, PA, where he will be buried beside his beloved wife.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 130 N. 2 ^nd St., Conneaut Lake, PA, Rocco Tedesco III, Supervisor.