Elmer Gerken

Elmer Gerken bought a 1929 Ford coup. The purchase price was a jersey cow and $75 saved from the $30 a month earned working on his Uncle’s farm. Elmer, 93, was born in Cole Camp, MO. Tuberculosis took his Mom when he was 3. He lived with different relatives when his Dad left to work the harvests. He attended a one room grade school. His Dad was able to buy a small farm and begin to save a little money. Like many others during that time, their farm and the money were lost when the bank failed during the Depression. Elmer had to drop out of his senior year of high school to earn money for the family. He returned the following year and graduated. He bought an old truck so he could haul things for money. Some nights he got in line with other trucks at the coal mine. He slept in the truck till dawn when he could buy a load of coal. He paid $3 for 2 1/2 tons. He parked the loaded truck at school. After classes he delivered the coal. He made $6 for the load. On weekends he went to farm sales hoping to haul livestock or other large items people purchased.

WWII came. He enlisted in the Army. Before he left he and Dorothy were married at the Courthouse. He was sent to Fort Leavenworth KS, then Fort McClelland AL, then Fort Ord CA, then the Philippines. From there he was shipped to Tokyo. His troop ship sailed by the USS Missouri the day before the Peace Treaty was signed. He was housed in the vacated Japanese soldiers' barracks.

When he and other soldiers returned their housing options were limited. He and Dorothy lived with 4+ families of relatives in his mother-in-law's small, one bathroom house in Kansas City. Under the GI Bill he went to auto mechanic school. He went to work at Beryl Berry Ford. He and Dorothy saved their money, and with the help of his brothers-in-law and pals, he and Dorothy built a nice two bedroom house with a breezeway and garage on a lot in Independence. The house plans, of course, were bought through Sears. The house still stands. It looks great. He built a second and then a third house for his family. Each done with his and his pals' tools and hands.

Elmer was a farmer, a laborer, a soldier, a mechanic, a factory worker, a Ford dealer parts manager, a guy who helped others fix stuff. He was a Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather who showed up for everything. He was unassuming, determined, and consistent. He was witty when conversation needed a lift. He and Dorothy celebrated their 73rd anniversary before she passed last year.

The experiences of his childhood and of the War were rarely mentioned. Information came only in answers to questions. In his 80th year Elmer and his family attended the dedication of the new WWII Memorial in DC. Thousands of his peers were there. As he walked around the Memorial young people asked him for his autograph. He smiled. He signed. 'How does that feel Dad? It feels pretty good' was his reply with a smile. He was proud he had earned their respect.

His rank in the Army was Sergeant. People who knew him for more than a few minutes knew his rank in Life was 'Good Guy'. He was quietly proud of that. He was respected.

His children, Mike and Claudia, son-in-law Cliff, and daughter-in-law Debra, his grandkids Eric, Gina and husband Kevin, Jason, Matt and wife, Nicole, Tara and husband Noah, great-grand kids Luke, Max, Fiona and Truman all loved having the Good Guy as their pal. He is survived by his sister, Ethyl Williams. We all knew he was there for us and we enjoyed being there for him. We all are better people because of the example of the way he lived his life.

Visitation will be held at McGilley Memorial Chapel at 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on Friday, September 29 at 5:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of his Life at 6:30 PM. A graveside service will be held at Clear Creek Cemetery in Lincoln, MO, on a later date.