Gordon Stairs

Gordon was married to his sweetheart, Carol A. Morrison in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada on May 15, 1954 who preceded him in death on January 5, 2015. After marriage Gordon and Carol moved immediately to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario where Gordon worked for the Canadian Forest Service in The Insect Pathology Research Institute from 1954-1965.

Gordon graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry in 1954; from McGill University with a Master of Sciences in Entomology in 1958; and a Ph.D. in Insect Virology in 1963. In 1965 he accepted a position as a Professor of Entomology at the Ohio State University and worked there until his retirement in 1991. He also served for many years as a member of the OSU University Senate. In 1992, he was awarded the position of Emeritus Professor.

Gordon and Carol have four children who all survive: Stephen (Vicki) Stairs of Thurman, Ohio; Deborah (John) Jaworski of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Margaret (Craig) Sherban of West Columbia, South Carolina and Pamela (Edward) Montgomery of Columbus, Ohio. They also have 14 grandchildren who all survive them. Chris (Lindsey) Stairs; Alan (Eliza) Sherban; Ben (Shelly) Stairs; Brandon (Libby) Montgomery; Cameron (Jena) Sherban; Stephanie (Devin) Miceli; Matthew (Andrea) Sherban; Carol Marie Montgomery; Tim (Ashley) Stairs; Amanda (Micah) Heanssler; Elizabeth (Cody) Rostorfer; Ivana Jaworski; Kalyna Jaworski; and Graham (Jianna) Montgomery. They also have 46 great grandchildren.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Laura (Chute) Stairs of Fredericton, New Brunswick; a sister Ada Veniot of Fredericton, New Brunswick; and a brother Beverly Stairs of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is survived by three brothers: Karl (Helen) Stairs of Sanford, Florida; Michael (Debbie) Stairs of Charlotte, North Carolina, and C. Glendon (Diane) Stairs of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Gordon was devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He made the study of God’s Word and ministry to his family and church the central focus of his life. He was a man who clearly understood the greatness of God as revealed through His Word and in creation. He lived with great hope in God. His hope in Christ when seen by people around him gave him many opportunities to share why he had such trust in Christ (1 Peter 3:14b-16). He particularly delighted in explaining how the world of insects revealed the glory of God. He loved the wild places of the world. He and Carol loved to camp, fish, and explore as they travelled. As a young man he learned how to paint with watercolors. When he retired, he took up the brush again and produced paintings that are prominently displayed in the homes of his children.

Upon moving to Columbus, Gordon and Carol became members of Clintonville Baptist Church which eventually became Linworth Baptist Church in Worthington. He served there faithfully as a deacon for many years.

Gordon’s daughter Debbie summarized his devotion to his family with these words, “He was the best Dad, Grandpa and Great grandpa in the world!” Many might think she might be exaggerating but his family knows this to be true. He always had time for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and relished every moment he got to invest in them. He was quick with a smile of acceptance and expressions of joy in their accomplishments. He also enjoyed going “home” to Canada every year to visit all his extended family.

Gordon’s family members are extremely grateful to Brookdale at Home Care; Danbury Assisted Living; and Summit Hospice for their compassionate, gentle, encouraging care for Gordon as he walked through the last months, weeks and days of his life.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Gordon R. Stairs will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, 4341 North High St., Columbus, Ohio, visitation with Gordon’s family following the service until 2:00 PM. There will be a private burial.

In lieu of sending flowers the family asks that you would please make a donation to Scioto Hills Christian Camp in Gordon’s memory.

Address: Scioto Hills Christian Camp, 1009 Martin Rd., Wheelersburg, OH 45694 Website: sciotohills.com