As with his favorite song ?I?ll Fly Away?, when I die Hallelujah by and by, heading home is our loving husband and father. Gordon Dean Ecker, 80, a lifetime Marshall County resident, died at his home on N. Michigan Road, Plymouth, at 12 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
      
       Gordon was born in Donaldson on August 2, 1930, the son of Russell and Florabelle Emish Ecker.
      
       Gordon and Esther Marie McIntire were married on December 15, 1950. Together, they raised their family of nine children.
      
       Gordon believed in working hard, and through his many years as V.P. at Whiteford National Lease, he was awarded various accolades from the Trucking Industry. His family, however, was his pride and joy. Being a family with regular Sunday attendance at Blissville Church of the Brethren will always be a special memory of his children.
      
       As he realized he was becoming ill he blessed his family with letters in regards to love, life, and thankfulness to God for his wife and family.
      
       He enjoyed Card Club of younger years, family vacations, watching his grandkids play sports, golfing, and fishing. He was a member of Bass Trackers, and attended Cornerstone Community Fellowship when able.
      
       So take this heart of mine, there?s no doubt. I?m in better hands now.
      
       Devoted to his family he is survived by his loving wife, Esther Marie Ecker, Plymouth, four sons and five daughters. His sons are: Gary Ecker, Lakeville, IN.: Rick (Michelle) Ecker, Wellington, FL.: Randy ( Susie) Ecker, Richmond, IN.: Roger ( Kathy) Ecker, LaPaz, IN.
      
       Gordon?s daughters are: Melody (Jim) Davis, Argos, IN.: Rhonda (Tommy) Schoof, Plymouth, IN.: Rena (Phillip) Cox, Lakeville, IN.; Sheila (Irish) Saunders, Lakeville, IN.: and Shelly (Jeff) Sharp, Plymouth, IN.
      
       He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, 3 brothers Kenneth of Granger; Lou of Mt. Pleasant, MI; Don Sr. of Plymouth; and 1 sister Joyce Baumann of Mooresville, IN.
      
       Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Mary Ecker, a brother, Larry Ecker and an infant sister.
      
       Visitation will be held on Friday, February 1st from 5 ? 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Services for Gordon will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at 2 p.m. in the Blissville Church 6250 Spruce Trail, Plymouth, IN 46563 with calling one hour prior. The Pastor Stephen Cox, of Cornerstone Community Fellowship will officiate.
      
       Memorial gifts in Gordon?s memory may be made to the LaPaz Fire Department, Christmas Decoration Fund 411 S. Michigan Street LaPaz, IN 46537or the Cornerstone Community Fellowship 4291 Michigan Road, Plymouth, IN 46563.