HOPE
Gordon R. Elsbury, 75, of Hope, passed from this life at 1:06 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Columbus Regional Hospital Emergency Room.
Gordon grew up in Hancock County. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Master’s degree in Agronomy from Purdue University.
In 1964 Gordon became the Sullivan County Extension Youth Agent where he served for 2 1/2 years.
Gordon along with his family moved to Bartholomew County in 1966. He served as the Bartholomew County Extension Youth Agent through 1974.
He was owner of the former Elsbury’s Greenhouse that he and his wife started in 1973.
Mr. Elsbury was a member and past President of Hawcreek-Flat Rock Townships Endowment Board, member of Columbus Area Visitors Center Board, member and founding President of Hope Area Chamber of Commerce, founding member of Columbus in Bloom, a 1994 recipient of the Indiana Flower Grower of the year by the Indiana Flower Growers Association.
In 2002 and 2003 he received the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and in 2004 he received the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Rural Service award.
Gordon was a contributing writer of international publications on growing garden Mums.
A private family funeral will be conducted at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home with the Rev. Patrick Galligar officiating.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street.
In keeping with Mr. Elsbury’s wishes, cremation is planned following the service.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Elsbury family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers you plant a garden in memory of Mr. Elsbury, make a donation to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.
Mr. Elsbury was born July 11, 1942 in Indianapolis. He was the son of George N. and Mary Imogene Drysdale Elsbury.
He married Nancy D. Sims on May 30, 1964.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 54 years; a son, David (Amy) Elsbury of Columbus; a daughter, Ann Elsbury of Hope; grandchildren, Austin Elsbury, Evan (Sarah Weaver) Elsbury and Ben Elsbury; and his sister, Joyce Elsbury of Indianapolis.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
