Obituary of Gordon R. Lechner

Gordon R. Lechner, 82, of Grove St., Addison, passed away at home on Monday, December 5, 2016. Gordie was born on Aug. 29, 1934 in Corning where he was raised. He graduated from Northside High School in Corning in 1952. As a teenager and young man, Gordie was an avid Scouter. He belonged to Boy Scout Troop 57 in Corning where he attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He then became an assistant Scoutmaster there. In 1952, Gordie enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Seabees. He left active service in 1956 with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He continued in the Naval Reserves until 1960. On July 9, 1955, he and the former Pearl I. Culbertson were married in Painted Post. Pearl survives. Gordie was an electrician, working through IBEW Local 139 in Elmira. He was recently recognized for a 60 year relationship with the union. He had worked on many various building projects in the region over the years. He was a charter member of the Addison Eagles Aerie 3904, a former member and past Assistant Chief of the Addison Fire Department, a member of the Williams-Greengrass American Legion Post in Addison and had been a member of the Elkland and Corning Moose Lodges. Gordie also loved to fish and hunt and would often take trips to the Adirondacks to fish and hunt. Besides his wife of over 61 years, Pearl, he is survived by his sons, Gordon Lechner Jr. of Addison, Robert (Pandora) Lechner of Dundee, Jeffrey Lechner of Addison and Thomas Lechner (Sally Willingham) of Addison, his daughters, Kathleen Morseman of Dansville and Mona Doody (Glenn Sullivan Jr.) of Risingville, 21 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, along with great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Mary Strait in 2009, his sister, Betty Lou Naokowski and his daughter in law, Shirley Lechner. Following Gordon’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Memorials in his name may be made to Boys Town at www.boystown.org/donate. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home in Woodhull.