Gordon Lee Neighbors, 79, of Malcom, died on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

Gordon's family will greet friends at the visitation held from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell. A private family burial will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Gordon was born on July 6, 1945 in Grinnell to Albert Lee and Elsie Marie (McCaslen) Neighbors. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1964.

After high school, Gordon honorably served his country in the Army Reserves, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he earned outstanding trainee honors. He later transferred to the Army National Guard to complete his military service.

On June 2, 1978, Gordon married Rosemary Kriegel. Together they raised their two children, Stacy and Gabe. He worked for GTE as a lineman and later as a supervisor, dedicating many years to his profession.

Gordon had a passion for working with his hands and was an avid tinkerer. He enjoyed woodworking, building engines, and crafting model airplanes. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved motorcycling, traveling, camping, hunting, and fishing. Gordon also tended crops on his acreage outside of Malcom as a hobby farmer.

Family was at the heart of Gordon's life. He cherished fishing derbies with his grandchildren and treasured family gatherings and cookouts that brought everyone together.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children, Stacy Neighbors, Gabe (Jamie) Neighbors, and Christine (Stu) Grefe, and Steve (James Hamilton) Neighbors from a previous marriage; grandchildren, Kassie Neighbors, Colton Niday, Courtney Neighbors, Marissa (Taylor) Malcom, Kylee, Corall, Keagan, Kadence, Maverick Neighbors, Christopher Pinkerton, Matthew and Alissa Meldrem; 13 great-grandchildren; a special niece, Kelly (Larry) England; several brothers and sisters-law and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elsie; and grandson, Brandon Neighbors.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to the family and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.