Ben E. Gerber

Mr. Ben E. Gerber, 72, of Topeka, passed away Saturday April 24, 2004, at Midland Hospice House. He was born April 2, 1932, in Driftwood, OK, the son of John Edward and Eva May Stevens Gerber.

Ben was activated to the U.S. Army following his graduation from Kansas State University, and served in Germany for two years. His wife and daughter were with him. After returning stateside, he joined the National Guard and also served on the Selective Service Board retiring as a Lt. Colonel with twenty years of service.

Mr. Gerber worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company 27 years. "Gentle Ben" worked in several departments retiring in 1989 as Purchasing Manager. Ben was President of the Junior Achievement Board for two successive terms. He was also a member of the Better Business Bureau, Masonic Lodge, the Shrine Temple, and served as a Boy Scout Counselor.

On May 10, 1953, Ben eloped with Anita Larson. They celebrated fifty years together last May, she survives. Other survivors include his daughter Cindy Strait and her husband David, Granddaughter Erica Strait, Grandson Chris Strait all of Topeka and three brothers Lynn Eldon Gerber of OK, Earl Evans Gerber of OH, Richard Dean Gerber of VA, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends and relatives on Tuesday, April 27, 2004, from noon until service time at the funeral home. The celebration of life will begin at 1:00 pm in Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. The final resting place will be Mt. Hope Cemetery immediately following services.

Memorial Donations may be made in Ben's Name to Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

Donna Madl
Funeral Director