Gordon Lovekamp

Gordon Dean “Gordy” Lovekamp, age 84 of Jacksonville and formerly of Arenzville, died Monday, July 20, 2020 at his home.

He was born August 3, 1935 in Beardstown the son of Harlan and Edna Park Lovekamp. He married Betty Campbell on June 10, 1962 in Virginia and she survives.

Also surviving are two children Deborah (husband Mark) Morris of Jacksonville and Joseph (wife Jennifer) Lovekamp of Concord; four grandchildren Ian (wife Dawn), Kahley (husband Sam), Kyrie, and Bella; five great grandchildren; and a brother Stan (wife Imogene) Lovekamp. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sandra Sue (deceased husband Art) Warden.

Gordy graduated from Arenzville High School and then began working on a river tow boat. He was drafted in the United States Army where he served in Germany for 2 years. Upon his return home, he continued his career on the river and retired as a Chief Engineer in 2008, after 55 years of service. His boat, The Roy Mechling, was responsible for carrying the first missile to Cape Canaveral and delivered food to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. In his younger years he took pleasure in trail riding with his wife and friends. Gordy has always enjoyed mushroom hunting and fixing things. After his retirement, he could be found visiting Reg’s Auto Service in Arenzville or drinking coffee.

The family will meet with friends from 5-7 PM Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Military Honors will be performed by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 at 7 PM Thursday at the memorial home. Private family committal will be held at a later date. Due to the current health situation, please remember to comply with social distancing guidelines and facemask recommendations.

Memorials have been suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.