William F. Geiger

GEIGER, WILLIAM F., age 89, born May 15, 1924, passed away peacefully at home into eternal life on Sunday, June 2, 2013, surrounded by loving family. Preceded in death by first wife, Mary Ture Geiger; and second wife, Jean Vogel Geiger. Survived by dear and special friend and companion, Eileen Ewing; daughter Veronica (Nikki) and her husband, Collins Griffith; daughter Maria and her husband, Larry Suttman; daughter Heidi; daughter Kathleen (Kate); grand-daughter Jenna and her husband, Travis Andersen; sister Jeanne and her husband, Frank Fecke; sisters Joyce Roberts, Barbara Hummel, and Connie Geiger. A sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, he was a member of the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st group. Dad served in India, Burma, and the China Theater. In China, he was a specialist on the P-51 Mustangs, flown by the famous 14th Air Force “Flying Tigers”. He made sure those six .50 caliber guns were loaded and wouldn’t jam. The pilots were so appreciative of his efforts that he was awarded a lifetime membership in the “Flying Tigers” – an award he truly treasured. Dad was a gentleman, friend to many, caregiver, generous contributor to charitable organizations, fisherman, hunter, plumber, raconteur, and crossword puzzle solver extraordinaire. He also made fantastic cabbage rolls and chicken soup, traditions that will be carried on. We are profoundly grateful to the many people who helped Dad through his final years and particularly the final months of his life. We thank the faithful members of the McDonald’s gang who offered so much friendship and companionship to Dad, and gave him a reason to get out of bed each morning – Jack Dwyer, Ted Flommersfeld, Mike Joly, Jack Schauer, Frank Treadway, Don Turton, and Roy Turton. We thank the friends, too numerous to mention, who visited and comforted Dad. We thank the Monday night Doubleday’s group and the Sunday morning Tim Horton’s group who offered Dad their companionship. We thank kind and thoughtful neighbors who kept Dad fed when he could no longer cook, especially Bea and Sandy. We thank the amazingly dedicated professionals of Hospice of Dayton, especially David, Erica and Connie. We thank the many doctors and caring staff members who took care of Dad. Special thanks to Dad’s family doctor, Vismai Sinha, M.D., a truly outstanding physician and lady, and her assistant Molly. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45429. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, Ohio 45459. Please dress joyfully for the Celebration of Dad’s Life. Dad’s wishes were for his body to be cremated, and his ashes laid to rest alongside those of his first wife, Mary. In Dad’s memory please consider a donation to The Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420 or Dad’s favorite charity, Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org. Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.