The small community of Ottumwa is still grappling with the haunting memory of the brutal murder of Francis Frederick Jordon Sr., a beloved family man and U.S. Army veteran, who was killed on July 12, 1978. Jordon’s tragic story, which has remained unsolved for nearly five decades, continues to cast a shadow over the area.
In the early hours of that fateful Wednesday, two men knocked on Jordon’s door, claiming they were in need of help due to car trouble. Trusting their plea, Jordon left his home near Cliffland Park to assist them. However, he never returned. Concerned, his son and a friend set out to find him, only to discover his lifeless body discarded by the banks of the Des Moines River.
The nature of Jordon’s death was horrifying. Reports indicate that the attack was brutally violent—so much so that clumps of hair and scalp were found at the scene. It’s believed that the two suspects, thought to be brothers, had specifically targeted him.
Adding to the tragedy, whispers within the community suggested that Jordon’s wife, Ruth, may have had a role in orchestrating his murder, driven by financial motives. This allegation created a rift that led to a falling out with her father, who disowned her upon learning of the claims.
Compounding the mystery, just over four years later, the nearly decapitated body of another local man, 55-year-old Melvin “Mez” Adams, was discovered in a nearby cabin, raising further questions about the safety of the community and the potential links between the two murders. Both cases remain open, with investigators still seeking answers.
Francis Jordon was born on March 12, 1936, in Lansing, Iowa. He was not just a veteran but also a cherished son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Ruth F. (Hanson) Jordon, and five children, who continue to mourn his loss. Ruth passed away in January 2012, and Jordon was laid to rest in Eldon Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of love and heartache.
As the community remembers Jordon, the hope for justice remains. Local law enforcement continues to encourage anyone with information about the case to come forward, hoping to finally bring closure to a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on Ottumwa.
