Richard Deatherage Gerard of Falls Church died peacefully last Friday, Feb. 25, at the age of 85. He was born June 4, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was raised. He served in the Navy during WWII and saw duty in the Asiatic Pacific as a medical corpsman with the 6th Marine Division. He saw action in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Southeast China.

After the war, Dick graduated from Kansas State University and was married to Kathryn Larson in 1951 until her death in 1987. They moved to Virginia where they raised their family of three daughters and he began his career as an examiner for the U.S. Patent Office. He was a resident of Falls Church for 55 years.

Dick was a very active member and leader of Dulin United Methodist Church and a Mason at Kemper-Macon Ware Lodge No. 64 A.F. & A.M. He served as an officer of the election board of the City of Falls Church and he was an officer in the National Right to Work Foundation.

The joys in his life included his church, gardening, square dancing, family and friends. He was a true gentleman and a gentle man who loved and held the respect of people of all ages. He was a steady presence in all the lives he touched. All who knew him will miss his smile and gentle ways.

He was the devoted father of Anne Carty (Terry) of Nashville, TN, Nancy Price (Kelly) of Purcellville, VA, and Elaine Pighini (Lenny) of Bristow, VA; Loving grandfather of Rebecca Carty of Nashville, TN, James Carty (Maurine) of Fairview, TN, Whitney Price and Michael Price of Purcellville, VA, and Jacob Pighini and Elizabeth Pighini of Bristow, VA; cherished and loving friend of Audrey Lemon of Falls Church.

A memorial service in his honor was held at Dulin United Methodist Church on March 2, 2011.