Gordon "Gordie" Lee Vogt

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Gordon “Gordie” Lee Vogt, age 80, of Delphos. Gordon passed away peacefully at home on October 31 2026. Gordon was born on October 7, 1946, in Lima to Ray and Ethel (Lindeman) Vogt. He was united in marriage to Julia Ann Tenwalde on June 12, 1971. Together, Julia and Gordon have three children: James (Maiko Ousaka) Vogt of Brooklyn, New York; Joanne (Brian) Argroves of Roswell, Georgia; and Ryan Vogt of Delphos. Along with his children, he is survived by three grandchildren: Kai Vogt, Scout Vogt, and Carson Argroves. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ethel Vogt; his brother, John “Jack” Vogt; and his sister-in-law, Anita (Augsburger) Vogt. Gordon graduated from Delphos Jefferson High School in 1964. In May of that same year, he signed a contract to play professional baseball as a pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and soon he was playing AAA baseball in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1965, Gordon was the #1 draft pick in professional baseball, selected by the Chicago Cubs and given a major league contract. Barely 18 years old and only eight months out of high school, he suddenly found himself playing alongside major leaguers. He often recalled with pride that his locker was just three lockers down from Ernie Banks.After spring training in 1965 and into 1966, Gordon played on the Chicago Cubs AAA team in Lodi, California. That fall, his baseball career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam, serving as an MP from 1966 to 1968. While serving his country overseas, Gordon’s baseball contract was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. After being released from the army, he played ball with them in the minor league during the winter of 1968-1969. Some of his teammates were the future 1971 World Series Pirate players. Unfortunately, after serving in Vietnam and surviving stints of both malaria and typhoid fever while there, Gordon’s arm was no longer strong enough to continue playing professional baseball. Upon returning to Ohio in 1969, Gordon began what would become nearly a 40-year career at Ford Motor Company in Lima. Although his professional playing days had ended, baseball remained an important part of Gordon’s life. For more than 20 years, he coached Little League, Pony League, Delphos Jefferson Acme, St. John’s Varsity, and Van Wert Legion baseball. He also helped with the Boy Scouts, taking them on many camping trips. Family was an important part of Gordon’s life as well. Every year, he would make a two-week trip with his family and friends to Clear Lake Camp in Iron Bridge, Ontario.

Gordon had a great sense of humor and a great appreciation for life. The family will receive friends from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm on Thursday at Weber Funeral Home in Delphos, where a Scripture service will be held at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, November 6 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Lima. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the Mass service. Father Kent Kaufman will officiate. Gordon will be laid to rest with military graveside rites. The family extends a special thank-you to Putnam County Hospice for their attentive care and family support during Gordon’s final weeks at home. We also wish to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, visits and love; especially the food train provided by our St. Charles Bible study friends. All of it was so greatly appreciated, and your kindness and support will be forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heartbeat of Lima, or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Online condolences may be expressed at weberfh.net. May Gordon rest in eternal peace.