Major Oscar “Ben” Gerner Jr.

GERNER, HANSEN, MACPHERSON, ELLIOT, KNOX, GIDEONSEN

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/24/2006 at 17:25:45

The Clinton Herald
Published: October 23, 2006 02:39 pm

Major Oscar “Ben” Gerner Jr.

SERVICES: Were Oct. 13 at Haggard-Heaster Funeral Chapel, Jefferson. Pape Funeral Home, Clinton, assisted the family with local arrangements.

JEFFERSON, Texas — Major Oscar “Ben” Gerner Jr., 77, of Jefferson and formerly of Clinton, died Oct. 9.

Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery, Marion County, Texas.

He was born Aug. 5, 1929, in Clinton to Oscar A. and Edith Hansen Gerner Sr.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1946 and retired after a career of 27 years of service. He served one tour in Korea, two tours in Vietnam and four years in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. His commendations include: Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Korean Service Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; United Nations Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; and parachutist badge.

He and his wife, Jean, lived in Jefferson since 1979.

He was president of Compassion, Marion County, for many years. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Bethel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; one son, Bradford L. Gerner of Bedford, Texas; daughters, Sandra L. MacPherson of Mancos, Colo., Evelyn Denise Elliot of Savage, Minn., and Janice Kay Knox of Mooresville, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Gideonsen of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.

Death date: Oct. 9, 2006