Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gerald L. McAfee
1935 - 2011
Gerald L. McAfee
1935 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
Gerald McAfee Obituary
Gerald was born on August 19, 1935 to Henry and Garnet Baker McAfee in Harrison County, Indiana. He graduated from Morgan Township High School, then went on to Purdue University to earn a Master's degree. Gerald taught science at Union County High School for 30 years, then retired in 1994. He previously had taught for seven years at other schools. Following retirement, Gerald worked at Wal-Mart in Richmond.
Survivors include his children and their spouses: Barbara and Keith Kluesener of Avon, Indiana; Rebecca S. and Brian Martin of Waverly, Ohio; David McAfee and his fiancé, Barbara Fields of Liberty, Indiana; Kathleen and Gregory Cross of Greenfield, Indiana and Jonathan McAfee of Seattle, Washington; two siblings: Joyce Knuckles of Clarksville, Indiana and Lowell McAfee of Jeffersonville, Indiana; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers James McAfee and Parvin McAfee and two sisters: Allene Weilbaker and Wilma Brown.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 from 4 pm until 7 pm at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty, Indiana, where memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association. There will be a visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Love Funeral Home in Palmyra, Indiana from 1 pm until the funeral service at 2 pm. Interment will follow in the Palmyra Cemetery. For additional information and to sign the online guest book, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve Brier
January 14, 2012
Sorry to hear of Mr. McAfee's passing. He was one of the teachers that as a freshman you heard "if you want to learn and go to college, you have to take his classes." Photosynthesis, Respiration (I used to go to sleep listening to those tapes trying to learn that) learning all the types of trees, disection of frogs - so many things I learned from his classes. My first college science classes were review because of what he taught. The sensitivity plants he grew were fun and it was a highlight to get one. He touched many people.
Shannon
January 10, 2012
I started working at Wal-,Mart when I was almost 17 and was very blessed to have known Mac and work beside him. Through out the years as I come across Mac, he was the sweetest man and friend. Anyone who would have known Mac knows that he was a hardworker and would do anything to help anyone out! My prayers are with his family and know that life at Wal-Mart will not be the same without Mac! We will miss you Mac!
Lynda (Thackrey) Lingg
January 9, 2012
Mr. McAfee was a wonderful person and teacher. This is really sad sad news. He was always there when I needed him and was always very encouraging.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. (Union Co. High School Class of 1984)
Cassandra Showalter Schibley
January 6, 2012
The world will be a little less sarcastic, a little less funny. Mr. McAfee was such a loved teacher and when I became a teacher I vowed to run my classroom in a similar way- with jokes and wit to keep class interesting. He did this perfectly, I'm still working on it... :)
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Fantacy Bryant
January 6, 2012
The world truly lost an amazing man. My mom just called me to tell me she saw that he had passed. Never had to wonder where you stood with him, and for as rough around the edges as he tried to act like he was, as his students, we all knew he was someone we could go to and that he would respect us enough to be upfront (esp about presweetened cereals and the myth called global warming "a computer will spit out whatever result you put into it"). He told me that he knew I was a very responsible young lady..."Fenwick, you are a very responsible young lady...If something goes wrong in my room, I know you are responsible for it." Mr. Mac, you will definitely be missed. Thank you for being the awesome teacher and man that you were. Prayers for his family and those who loved him! Union County Class of 1995
Ada Taggart
January 6, 2012
I'm Sorry To Hear About Gerald..He Was A Vary Good Friend Of Mine..He Will Be
Missed ..He Is With The Lord ..Now..My Prayers Are With All His Family And Friends."May God Bless You All"
Ada (Taggart) Alvey
Heather Click
January 6, 2012
Thanks to Mr. McAfee for always encouraging me and leaving me with good high school memories. It was not an easy task to get me to like any science class and well lets just say "B" really. He will be missed and thought of often.. Heather Click, 1988
Jess (Browning) Lawson & Family
January 6, 2012
Mr. McAfee was a wonderful teacher and person! He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers.
American Heart Association
January 6, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Deanna Spradling
January 5, 2012
My condolences to the family. Gerald would frequent Frischs where I was a waitress about a year ago. I am in college and we would often talk about my education. He left me a lovely note one night that truly touched me. I still have that note today. I too lost my dad 3 months ago and I know how hard this time is and how comforting it is to know that he had also touched others' lives.
God Bless
Deanna Spradling
Debbe Chaney
January 5, 2012
Kathy...please accept my sincere condolences for you and your family. I will never forget my leaf collection or the photosynthesis process. I recently lost my dad as well and it is a difficult transition in the next level of life. Please remember that his true journey has just begun....Blessings Sent.
Tracy Ferris
January 5, 2012
Many years ago, while in college, I wrote a thank you to Mr. McAfee for "teaching" me how to learn and for creating a love for science. My career path evolved from that love and, to this day, not only am I grateful for the classroom experience back then, but I also proudly still have my Respiration essay exam! Thank you, again, Mr. McAfee! My sincere condolences to the family.
Debra Stanton Lang
January 5, 2012
Never forget Mr. McAfee. Wonderful teacher and man, my sympathy to all family and friends. Debra Stanton Lang
Jerilyn Wissler
January 5, 2012
I was a student teacher with Mr. McAfee in spring of 1981. He taught me more detailed science information during my student teaching than 4 years of college ever did. He was my inspiration when I got my first teaching job and continues to be my inspiration nearly 30 years later. I now teach in Clarksville, Indiana and didn't get to see him very often. But I looked forward to my visits home to see my family in Richmond and would always be ready for a trip to Wal-Mart on the hopes of getting to visit with him for even a short time.I know how much he loved his family. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. He was a phenomenal educator and truly great human being. He will be sorely missed.
randy webb
January 5, 2012
rip mr mcafee; the-leaf collection through photosyntheisis,and disecting pigs;it was an eye-opening experience dealing with you as a freshman-randy webb
Patty Neal
January 5, 2012
Kathy,
My thoughts and prayer's are with you and your family.
Jenn (Liming) Evans - UCHS 1995
January 4, 2012
I can still name more trees than most people I know, all thanks to the extensive leaf collection project we did for Mr. McAfee's Biology class. I'm so lucky I got to learn from such a great teacher.
Mark Bell
January 4, 2012
I will always be grateful to Mr. McAfee. I laugh every time I hear or think about molecular structures. He worked so hard to make me understand them. I will be sad not see and talk to him at Wal-Mart. What a great teacher. My family's thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Debbie Adams Kelly UCHS Class of '74
January 4, 2012
Truly a remarkable teacher! my favorite. thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Julie Garrett
January 4, 2012
So sorry for your loss Dave. Hope you are doing better.
Kaye Mathews-Halterman
January 4, 2012
Mr. McAfee was a great and inspiring teacher who made science fun. His passion for his work was evident everyday. He made a difference in many people's lives.
Although I am sure I complained al lot about the Physiology and Biology homework he handed out...it prepared me for college. Thank goodness because I wouldn't be the nurse I am today! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Graduated class of 1973
Krista Nichols
January 4, 2012
Mr. McAfee was a very special teacher. "Learn, don't memorize" was his pedagogy and one that I carry with me today in my own work at teaching. You will be missed Mac.
Bonita (Taylor) Zumbrun
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry about your lost, Mr. McAfee was a great teacher, person and I counted him as a friend. He taught me Biology and I grew to like science because of him. We talked every time I saw him in Wal Mart. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Steve Luebbe
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I used to work with "Big Mac" a long time ago at Wal-Mart and enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed talking and chatting with him every time I went back in and would have the privilege of running into him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family during this time of loss. May you feel the comfort of God's touch and fell his love. "Big Mac", you will be seriously missed!! As we would end every conversation, "Until next time!"
Nancy Beard
January 4, 2012
Mac always spoke and had a smile. He will truly be missed, and I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cody Pollin
January 4, 2012
I worked with Mac in the garden center at Walmart in Richmond he was a great man. I always enjoyed working with him he took his time to teach me about the different flowers. I'm really going to miss you Mac rip my friend.
January 4, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about Mac's passing. He was a terrific teacher for our daughter, a very nice person and colleague. He always had a smile for us even when he retired and we ran into him at Walmart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Paul and Linda Ayers
Mary Rigsby
January 4, 2012
I have good memories of his physiology class. He taught us how to study for college. I will also miss saying "Hi" to him at WalMart. My prayers are with the family.
Christmas day reading to Grand daughter
Rob & Marica Gibbs
January 4, 2012
Mac had Christmas dinner with us this year. He enjoyed reading to our Granddaughter. This may be the last photo of him. Rob & Marcia Gibbs - Richmond, IN
Mary Swafford Rigsby
January 4, 2012
January 4,2012
Mr. McAffee was a great teacher. I have many memories of his physiology class and how he prepared us to study for college. I will also miss saying "Hi" to him at WalMart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Nick Baker
January 4, 2012
I'm sorry to hear of Mac's passing. In fact, I was just thinking of him yesterday. During part of my high school and college years, I worked with him in the garden center at Wal-Mart and he was a wonderful coworker and a delight to be around. A lot of my fond memories of that job involve him and the summers we spent together taking care of the plants and getting sage advice about life. I was always amazed at how knowledgable he was on so many subjects.
I moved away from Indiana after college, but whenever I was in town, I made a trip to the store just so I could see him and say hello. I saw him in December 2010 and he was still plugging away at the store and in high spirits!
Robert, Rozan Buchholz
January 4, 2012
We are so sorry for you loss, he was a very special man, I knew him thru my husband who had worked with him and knew him from school. I know he touched many many lives.
Heather Reiboldt-Henry
January 4, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I was a student of his and now a student again I can still remember about atoms and valence electrons. He also saved my life during a class by performing the Heimlich. I'm thankful for the years he dedicated and he will be missed.
Timothy Brunner
January 4, 2012
Most of my four years in high school, I just tolerated. I knew I needed to graduate high school if I wanted any kind of a good job, or career. However, Mr. McAfee made learning enjoyable, as well giving me a foundation, for what turned out to be, a life changing career. His enthusiasm and interest in his students was unmatched by any other teacher I had. When I think back on my days in school, his class is always the first thing I think of when it comes to fond memories, and great learning experiences. I wish all teachers could have been like him. It saddens me greatly to hear of his passing, and I'm sure many more of his former students feel as I do. from Timothy Brunner EMT/P retired
Mike Robinson
January 4, 2012
I was so sorry to learn of Mr. McAfee's passing. It had been a long time since I had seen him, but I think of him very often. He was my favorite among many wonderful teachers at Union County High School and he had a profound influence on my life. He influenced me to attend Purdue and to eventually get a doctorate in Biology He absolutely influenced me to make Biology my career. I think of him with every scientific accomplishment I make. I still tell stories of Mr. MacAfee's exams to my genetics students at Miami. I will never forget Liquidambar styraciflua and pull that name out of my hat from time to time. I remember when he wrote A-T/G-C and expected us to draw from memory every atom of a section of double stranded DNA (with the hydrogen bonds) from memory. He taught me biological depth that I did not have to recall until my junior or senior year at Purdue. I remember the logic puzzels that he assigned and remember how his goal was to teach us to think. I will miss him dearly, but will also carry part of him with me as long as I live. I was very blessed to have him as part of my life.
Shannon Sorrell-Brown class of 94
January 4, 2012
I had the honor of being a student in his class for three years and later went on to be a coworker of his at Wal-Mart. His ability to teach from knowledge and the heart, not a text book, gave his students a desire for learning and understanding. I will never forget talking to him in the smoke/boiler room. The smell of his pipe and sound of his laughter will live with me forever. I can still hear him saying "Do ducks have flat feet?" Thank you for sharing your love of science and general knowledge with me. May you rest in peace.
Kristine (Tusing) Hubbell
January 4, 2012
Gerry, thank you for opening our world, loving dulcimer festivals, and digging around in the yard. You were a surrogate father and friend when we needed you most--and touched so many lives with your own. Our prayers are with your family.
Evelyn Marcum Moore UCHS - 1974
January 4, 2012
Mr. McAfee...rest in peace knowing you left a piece of your special self in all that knew you. I thought of you often recently while in my Microbiology and Advanced Physical Science classes... You taught us well. My heartfelt condolence to all of the family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Jenny Herron-Wilson
January 4, 2012
To David and family,
My heart goes out to you all for the loss of your father! Please know you are always in my thoughts and prayers, and if I can do anything please let me know. May God give you the strength and comfort during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In love and prayers,
Jenny Herron-Wilson and Family
January 4, 2012
The 3yrs I taught with Mac will never be forgotten.He was a GREAT Teacher and Friend and will be missed.
Mark A Rosenberger
Anita Decker
January 4, 2012
Mr. McAfee was not only a great teacher, but a caring and compassionate man, who wanted his students to understand and succeed and did everything he could to encourage them in their endeavors. He inspired and led many to a lifetime of service in the science community, be it medicine, research or teaching and is a prime example of how one man can make a big difference in this world. My heartfelt sympathies to his family.
Patty Mason
January 4, 2012
My prayers go out to his family. He will be missed by those who loved him.
sandra Newton Buttery
January 3, 2012
I never had the pleasure of actually being a student of Mr. McAfees' but I did have the pleasure of knowing thru his students what a great teacher he was to them This says alot when his students years later still talk about how good he was as a teacher and person. My prayers are with his family, He will be missed!! Sandra Newton Buttery
Cynthia Stover
January 3, 2012
Mac was one of the greatest....he will be missed by many....he always had a smile...it made my day....Cynthia Stover....
Chrystal Ross
January 3, 2012
Thank you for opening my mind to the world of science. You were truly a wonderful person and educator. The world is a better place because of you.
Heidi Haley
January 3, 2012
It was a pleasure working with Mac and seeing his smiling face daily. He will truly be missed. Sleep in peace, Mac.
Susan Spenny Kuhens
January 3, 2012
Mr.McAfee gave each student an opportunity to learn on their level and beyond. Countless evenings he stayed after school with us until "it all made sense" There are so many countless fond memories. Always went to lawn and garden when at Walmart just to say "hi" My prayers are with his family. Mac you blessed us all.
Steve Showalter
January 3, 2012
Mr. McAfee's high school classes were instrumental in my pursuit of a doctorate in chemistry. He was a very funny, smart, personable man and will be missed by all. RIP.
Tammy Napier Drudy
January 3, 2012
Mr. McAfee was a gifted educator who touched my life--and the lives of so many others at UCHS. Photosynthesis and the DNA molecule is forever etched in my brain thanks to his progressive teaching methods. My sincerest condolences to the family. May it make you smile to know the extent of his gifts.
Jill (York) Smith Class of 94
January 3, 2012
I had Mr McAfee for Biology in high school and went on to become a Pharmacist because his love of Biology passed on to me. I can't even count the number of times I was sprayed by his water bottle or was pinged with his blackboard eraser because of trying to sneak a nap in class! So many fond memories.
January 3, 2012
"Mac", as he was referred to at Wal-Mart was a very kind and gentle person, and I remember how helpful he always was to customers. Sometimes we fellow associates were the customers and he showed just as much concern for us as well. Your genuine smile and willingness to assist will be missed. Linda VanWinkle (fellow Wal-Mart Associate)
Debbie (Moore) Pavlicko
January 3, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the family. I was blessed to have been taught by Mr. McAfee. Lessons he taught me helped me in college and on to a career in the medical field. It was always nice to see his smiling face.
Jeff Newton
January 3, 2012
Truly a great loss to us all,both as a teacher and a man. An example for all. Thank you Mac may you rest in peace.
Sue (Madden) Geiling
January 3, 2012
I did not have the pleasure of having Mr McAfee as a teacher but remember him very well. Always such a warm & welcome smile every time I would run into him. Thoughts & prayers to his family.
Heather
January 3, 2012
Will miss u so much Mac. U made it fun at work. Will miss seeing u coming out of lawn and garden.
Debbie Turner
January 3, 2012
All I can say is your Dad was a great guy and I will miss him so much at work,My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Lori McCreary-Langdon
January 3, 2012
Some of my fondest memories from high school are from Biology class with Mr. McAfee. He was a truly gifted teacher and a wonderful person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Michael & Tina McMahan
January 3, 2012
Mac was the best teacher I had. He had the respect of all his students. My wife worked with him at Walmart, and enjoyed his wit. He will be sadly missed.....
Norma Overbeck
January 3, 2012
Not only was Mac an excellent teacher, but he was also a great friend and co-worker. I enjoyed the many conversations we shared about education and the wisdom he expressed. I can still see his blue sweater and smell the sweet aroma from his pipe. My condolences to the family. May God bring you comfort.
Melissa Ayers Bales
January 3, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. McAfee. He was one of my favorite teachers from high school. I never would have survived college science without him! I still think fondly of him and he will be greatly missed in this world. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sincerely, Melissa Ayers Bales
Linda Wright
January 3, 2012
Mr. McAfee was an AMAZING teacher. He knew his subject WELL, and taught us HOW to think, and not WHAT to think. I was not always as enthusiastic about Biology as I should have been, but he made it interesting, and made me want to learn. His students were very, very lucky to have had him in class! God bless & comfort his family at this time. God Bless you, Mr. McAfee! Linda Sturgis-Wright, UCHS class of 1991.
Brian Morgan
January 3, 2012
He was a class act. He made us students work very hard and demanded the best from us. He taught me so much more than just science; he taught me that learning was awesome. I watched him save someone's life in class by doing the Heimlich maneuver. He taught us how to say "methyl-ethyl-ether" and taught me how to write a proper sentence---He taught me how to keep working until I got it right. I'll miss you, Mr. McAfee!
Kellie Marcum
January 3, 2012
I worked with Mac at Walmart for a few years. He was always such a kind man. He will definitely be missed.
Angel Robinson
January 3, 2012
Mac will be greatly missed by many. If it wasn't for him making me be table partners with my biggest enemy in school I would have never had one of my best friends. The world has lost a great great man!
Jason Bennett
January 3, 2012
I had Mac for two years and I must say he is the one teacher that I will never forget. His knowledge, humor, wit and work ethic were second to none. I loved how he answered a stupid question in his class with a stupid question of his own..."Mr. Bennett, have you stopped beating your mother?"...I will miss you Mr. McAfee, I looked forward to seeing you a few times per month at Walmart and the memories of you as my teacher will always be with me.
Jackie Sorrell
January 3, 2012
What a great teacher who taught from his knowledge, not a book. I always looked forward to saying hello when running into him at Walmart. He will be greatly missed.
karen Parks Bunch
January 3, 2012
Mac really made me love science. He had a way of making you want to learn. Had many great conversations with him at Wal Mart too. He loved what he did, whenever he did it. He will be missed.
John Marcum class of '97
January 3, 2012
Like so many others here, I had the privilege of being one of Mr McAfee's students. He taught so much more than science. He taught about life he taught how to be successful in everything. He was the best science teacher UCHS had ever had and will be sorely missed. Love ya Mac! Rest in peace
Shirley Paddock
January 3, 2012
Mac was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. He will certainly be missed.
Jennifer Healy
January 3, 2012
i worked with him at wal~mart and he was a very kind and gentle man and ended up being a family friend to my extended family.
Matt Rust
January 3, 2012
Great teacher. Great friend. We'll miss you Mac!
Matt Rust
January 3, 2012
Great teacher.... Great friend. We'll miss you Mac!
Lori Hartman-Oakley
January 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family for the passing of a great teacher and father. He was a great teacher learned a lot from him especially all the different types of trees. He will be missed.
Jeffrey K. Coffey
January 2, 2012
Mr. McAfee was one of those qwirky, fascinating UCHS teachers that I will never forget. McAfee, you will be missed.
Pam Stubbs
January 2, 2012
My condolences to all the McAfee family. He was a great teacher-one whom I'll remember fondly for the rest of my life.
January 2, 2012
I was a student of Mr. McAfee and he taught me some life changing experiences. You work hard, study and learn. I can still tell you how Photosynthesis works. I had the priviledge to work with Mack at Walmart and he was a remarkable man. He was truly dedicated to his teaching. My prayers are with the family and friends we will miss you Mack....Judy Newton Kegley
January 2, 2012
I only had him my freshman year of high school, but he taught me how to TRULY use a ruler and measure out the precise amount of liquids. He made a big impact on me, and pushed me to push boundaries and have my own opinions (and to make sure I had the knowledge to back those opinions). He will be missed.
Lisa Blackwell Rodriguez
January 2, 2012
Mr. McAfee taught me HOW to study and made me a successful student throughout high school, as well as college. I miss him dearly. He left a mark on my heart and I will never forget him. Rest in peace Mr. McAfee. God bless you for giving so much of yourself to your students.
January 2, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. McAfee. He touched so many lives in education -- he was one of the best teachers ever. Please know you and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mac....we will all miss you!
Melissa Rinehart Bickford UCHS '74
January 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to the family! He was a great person and teacher! From Brenda Freeman Phillips & April Phillips
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
312 West Union Street, Liberty, IN 47353
Make a Donation
in Gerald McAfee's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald McAfee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
