Gerald grew up in Duncan with his hero and older brother Herman. It was here that he met his sweetheart, Barbara Chasteen. They were married on January 20th, 1961 in Duncan, the day that President John F. Kennedy was inaugurated. They enjoyed 62 beautiful years together. They became parents on April 26th, 1964, with the birth of their daughter, Robin Diane. Their family was completed when Nita Marie became their daughter. Gerald's daughters were his joy, and he was the best daddy.

Gerald's love for Jesus was displayed throughout his entire life. He served as a Sunday school teacher and minister of music at Gospel Beams Church for 52 years and later continued to serve at Bethel Assembly of God. Gerald, Barbara, and their daughters spent much time on missionary trips in Haiti and the pacific islands of Guam, Fiji, Nauru, Truk, Pohnpei, and the Solomon Islands. Every summer, weeks were also spent in Portland, Oregon at the Beyond the Reef missions camp where he was also able to take some of his grandchildren. No doubt he played an integral role in many coming to know Christ.

Gerald retired in 2013 from a lifetime of teaching. He taught upper-level math for 46 years, the majority of which were at Duncan High School. Many of his students would fondly call him, "Papa Wheelie." His love for teaching and for his students enabled him to truly never "work" a day in his life.

In addition to his love of serving others, he also had a passion for the arts. Gerald was a talented musician. He could play any instrument given to him and his singing moved hearts. Together, he and Barbara were vocalists and musicians in many quartets, trios, and more. He and Barbara made ministering at local assisted living communities a part of their weekly routine where he would play the piano and sing.

Gerald loved to make things beautiful. Some of his grandkids were able to grow up with their house being "across the river and through the woods" from his house. Papa made sure the lawns were always neatly trimmed. Occasionally, he would hook up the little red trailer onto the back of the lawn mower and take his grandkids for a drive. At the end of a day of working on the yard, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to find him and Barbara at the end of the driveway, just admiring the work they had done together. They always did everything together. Their home was a family gathering place filled with beautiful music and love.

For Gerald and Barbara, Friday nights were invariably date nights. When their grandkids were young and still living at home, they would take one of them with them almost every week, and would rotate through so that all had a turn to "go out to eat with Granny and Papa." These little trips included listening to stories about the younger days, talking about Bible verses, the struggles and blessings of the day, singing together, and so much more. Gerald always displayed such a gentle romance with Barbara. He held her hand in the car for the duration of the ride and then into the restaurant. When Gerald would introduce Barbara to someone, he would refer to her as "my Lady." The example that they displayed during these precious moments meant the world to their grandchildren.

At home, Gerald loved to sit in the sunroom and watch the wildlife around the pond. He was always battling to keep the squirrels off the bird feeders and coming up with new ways to make them "birds only." He enjoyed humor and would crack the corniest, but best, jokes. He loved to see others happy and had an infectious smile. Gerald and Barbara kept a daily routine that included breakfast at Boomerang Diner, the post office, and calls to check on their kids and grandkids. He was so invested and interested in the lives of those he loved.

Gerald lived a life of integrity, and he was blessed abundantly. He treated people with dignity and kindness. His resolve to always be kind and respectful consistently allowed him to find a workable solution to just about any problem that arose. What an example! Gerald built a life with his bride that was an inspiration to many.

Those left to cherish his legacy are his wife, Barbara of the home, two daughters: Robin Wheeler of Duncan, Nita and husband Tim Johnson of Elmore City, seven grandchildren: Blake Dressler and wife Beka, Abigail and husband Daniel Ballard, Rachel and husband Colton Ballard, Sarah and husband Ryan Rochell, Elizabeth Johnson, Kyle Johnson and wife Callie, Ryan Johnson and wife Logan, and seventeen great grandchildren.

Papa, you were our rock. We are rejoicing for you, but we miss you so, and selfishly wish we had more time. Thank you for who you were and for the way you touched the lives of those around you. We love you, Papa.