George S. Gehr

George Showers Gehr, 97, of Ephrata, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Keystone Villa of Ephrata. He was the husband of the late Margaret S. Gehr of Ephrata, who preceded him in death on December 24, 2014. Together they celebrated 65 years of marriage on July 10, 2014. Born on August 25, 1921 in Ephrata Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he was the son of John W. and Annie M. Gehr. George was an active and faithful member of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren for over 67 years, where he served as Head Usher and numerous other positions. He was a graduate of Ephrata High School and the Libby Star Beauty Culture School, Reading. For 55 years, George worked as a self-employed hairdresser at his shop in downtown Ephrata. George especially loved being with his family and being involved in church. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories, playing various games, collecting antiques, reading and listening to music. Other activities included being a part of the Friendly Circle and volunteering at the Ephrata Area Meals On Wheels. George served as a Private First Class in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Glider Infantry during World War II from December 1942 through September 1945. He was a Purple Heart recipient. The twelfth born and last surviving of fourteen brothers and sisters, George now continues his life of Christian service in the eternal fellowship of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In addition to his parents and his wife, George was preceded in death by his siblings Brita, Harry, Samuel, John, Robert, Edwin, Susie, Carrie, Ann, William, Chester, Kathryn and Paul. He is survived by three children: Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Edward Kotwicki, Philadelphia; Marti Epler, Ephrata; and George Douglas, husband of Lillian (Brubaker) Gehr, Ephrata; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to share with the family during visitation at the Paul L. Gravenor Home for Funerals, 100 W. Main St., Ephrata PA on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 6 - 8 PM, and at the Ephrata Church of the Brethren, 201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata PA on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 9 � 10 AM. Funeral services will follow at 10 AM on Friday at the Church with Pastors Rob Eshelman and Brian Messner officiating. Interment will be at Bergstrasse Lutheran Cemetery, Ephrata, following the service. 0