MSG (Ret) Robert Herman Gerber

MSG (Ret) Robert Herman Gerber, son of the late William Henry Gerber and Rhowena Joyce (Doctor) Gerber McGovney, was born September 21, 1940 in Britten, South Dakota. Robert attended school in Amherst, South Dakota and graduated. On June 24, 1963, Robert was united in marriage to Loretta Faye Space in Boyton, Oklahoma. They shared over 45 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Robert Joseph, William Edgar and Cassandra Celeste. In 1963, Robert enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1983. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. For his faithful service, Robert earned many awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Valorous Unit Award, and Expert Qualification Badge M16. Robert served two different tours in Vietnam during his career. After retiring from the Army, Robert began working at Nickels Apartments as a supervisor/manager. He was employed there from 1983 until 2002. Robert was a member of the VFW Post 3176 of St. Robert, American Legion of St. Robert, and Twilight Twirlers Square Dance Club. He was Vice President of the Will Rogers Indian Club of Springfield and was a volunteer fireman with the Waynesville Rural Fire Department. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed being outdoors while hunting, fishing or just tinkering out in his yard. He also loved to square dance. Most importantly, he treasured the times that he spent with his family and friends. His family came first and he would do anything to help them. Robert was a problem solver and enjoyed helping his friends and family troubleshoot any problems they might have. He was always looking for the best possible way for a solution. He was also a teacher. Even up until the end, Robert was always teaching someone. He even showed the student nurse that was attending him at the hospital how to change things for him. At an early age, Robert accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was a member of the Deerlick Baptist Church and attended every chance he could. Robert went home to be with his Lord at 8:12 A.M., Thursday, April 30, 2009 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 68 years, 7 months and 9 days. Robert will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife Loretta of the home; three children: Robert Joseph Gerber and his wife Carolyn of Laquey, MO, William Edgar Gerber and his wife Julie of St. Robert, MO and Cassandra Celeste Morgan and her companion Larry Lange of Waynesville, MO; one brother: William Arthur Gerber and his wife Cathy of Milton, KY; adopted daughter: Susan Wolf and her husband John; 13 grandchildren: Shawn, Joseph, Megan, Joshua, Jeremy, Timothy, Matthew, Christopher, Justin, Rose, Kyle, Joshua and Amber; 1 great grandchild: Ayden; one nephew: Tony Gerber; one niece: Sharai Elizabeth Hender and her husband Trey; two great nieces: Alexis and Sada; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his step-father: Charles McGovney and one niece: Susie Gerber. Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 5, 2009 in the Deerlick Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Rev. Calvin Gladden officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace”, “In the Garden” and “Go Rest High On that Mountain” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Deerlick Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Gerber and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

MSG (Ret) Robert Herman Gerber

September 21, 1940 - April 30, 2009