William Cole Gerding

William Cole Gerding, 23, of Springfield, was born into eternal life at 8:14 p.m. on Monday, September 3, 2018, at his home. Will was born March 29, 1995, in Springfield, the precious blue-eyed boy of John C. and Stacia A. Stark Gerding. Will graduated from Lincolns Challenge and worked in construction at TMF Construction. He enjoyed hunting, being outdoors, and loved spending time with his family. Will had extreme loyalty to his parents and brothers. He was known for his tender heart and generosity. Will had a strong belief in God and his faith. He will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Susan Schweighart-Stark; maternal great-grandparents, A.G. and Winifred Schweighart and John and Helen Stark; and paternal great-grandmothers, Martha Gerding and Marion Wright. Will is survived by his parents, John C. Gerding of Springfield and Stacia A. Gerding of Sherman; paternal grandfather, John J. Gerding of Springfield; paternal grandmother, Dorothy (husband, Lee) Schuerman of Springfield; maternal grandfather, John D. Stark; siblings, John J. Gerding of Tampa, FL, Charlie Gerding of Springfield, and Henry Gerding of Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10, 2018, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield with Rev. Wayne Stott, celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148.