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Mr. Gerald Evans "'Jerry'" Masters
1938 - 2014
Mr. Gerald Evans "'Jerry'" Masters
1938 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2014
Gerald Masters Obituary
Mr. Masters, known as Jerry, was diagnosed last March with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, said his wife, Mary Helen Masters.
The Masterses moved from Washington Township in Wood County to Marco Island, Fla. in 2002. They also had lived in West Toledo and Ottawa Hills.
Mr. Masters began his teaching career about 1963 at Jefferson Junior High, where he taught history to seventh-grade students. He obtained a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Toledo.
Mrs. Masters said her husband was encouraged by a principal to return to college and get an advanced degree. He did just that, attending Eastern Michigan University and obtaining a master's degree in education in 1970.
With the degree, he was promoted to principal at Lincolnshire Elementary and later held the same position at Meadowvale Elementary.
Mr. Masters and an elementary teacher, the late Ruth Michaelis, successfully lobbied legislators to make Ohio's official insect the ladybug.
The campaign was started by students in Mrs. Michaelis' class at Lincolnshire and was joined by other districts. The ladybug became Ohio's official insect in 1975.
Before retiring from Washington Local Schools in 1992, Mr. Masters was publicity and marketing director and director of adult education for the district.
Mr. Masters was born on April 12, 1938, to Herman and Edna Masters. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School.
A gifted vocalist, Mr. Masters began singing in church choirs at an early age. At age 7, he was boy soprano at Trinity Episcopal Church on Adams Street.
Later, he became tenor soloist at St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Ottawa Hills.
It was while he was the tenor soloist at First Congregational Church on Collingwood Boulevard that Mr. Masters met the former Mary Helen Stoltenberg in 1965.
They were engaged Feb. 13, 1966, and married Aug. 6 of that year.
In 1975, the couple started GMasters Sales, which specialized in the liquidation of houses and businesses after Mr. Masters had become knowledgeable on the values of antiques, glassware, and collectibles.
"He was the researcher and brains behind the outfit. I was the laborer and ran the businesses," Mrs. Masters said. "He had no business sense at all. But he knew what prices to put on things."
The couple ended the business in 2002 when they moved to Florida.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Helen; daughter, Caroline Masters; son Jeffrey Masters, and five grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. today in United Church of Marco Island. A reception will follow in the church.
The family suggests tributes to Marco Island Historical Society, United Church of Marco Island, First Congregational Church in Toledo, or Avow Hospice.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Reiter at: [email protected] or 419-724-6199.
26 Entries
January 12, 2018
Mr. Masters was THE definition of principal. You truly felt he genuinely cared for his students. He always greeted you with a smile and remembered your name.
meadowvale memories
March 13, 2015
Mr. Masters was the definition of a Principal. He connected with his students like nobody ever did. He KNEW you by name and didn't mind sharing a pleasant smile when you walked down the hallway. You will truly be missed.
Lisa Webne-Behrman
March 30, 2014
Mr Masters was an inspiring an innovative teacher who helped all students find their voice. While it's been many years since my days at Lincolnshire (7th grade, 1968) I have often thought of Mr Masters and will continue to...he certainly left his mark. My sympathies as well as gratitude.
More Meadowvale Memories
February 20, 2014
Mr. Masters, as the students called him at Meadowvale Elementary School. He would certainly get the kids attention with a stern "FREEZE" when something was not right in the cafeteria. The kids would "stop in their tracks" and listen to him. He was gentle person kind,considerate and very COMPASSIONATE. If you look up the word "principal" in the dictionary(but in this day of age, the internet) they should show his picture there. He will certainly be missed.
How you can show support
January 23, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mary Gomoll
January 22, 2014
To the Master's family, so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Jerry very well from First Congregational Church, always joking about where we sat. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary (Campbell)Gomoll.
Dave Rosen
January 22, 2014
Mr. Masters is one of my strongest memories of Lincolnshire. I'm only saddened because we have a condo in Fiddlers Creek and are there several times a year. Would have loved the opportunity to reconnect.
Henry & Chris Nardwi
January 21, 2014
Mary Helen we were so sorry to here about Jerry. Stay as strong as ever. Our prayers are for both of you. Todays service was a wonderfull tribute to Jerry.
Sue Muller
January 21, 2014
Jerry Masters, or Mister Masters as I called him when I was a first year teacher and he was a first year principal at Lincolnshire School, saved me on a number of occasions. Like when I was performing a science experiment in front of my class and the test tube began billowing rust-colored smoke. "Get Mr. Masters," I yelled as I stuck the tube out the window. He was there in a flash, calming me and the kids. He was so smart and he was so much fun. He (and Mary Helen, too) made Lincolnshire a family for both teachers and students. Thinking of you, Mary Helen, and of your children, and of that great guy, Mister Masters.
sue grigsby
January 21, 2014
yes what a great one that will be missed.!! it was such a joy to go to his sales all right !!very well put together !!
Bob Lubell
January 21, 2014
Jerry Masters was truly the mentor of my childhood at Lincolnshire Elementary School. We as students were never addressed by our first name, but as Mr. and Miss. He was involved and compassionate. Each morning he wrote the word "Responsibility" on the chalk board. It sticks today.
He was close to Fred Folger, a history teacher of the 8th grade at Jefferson Junior High. The relationship meant joint projects between the schools. One event I remember was making an 8mm movie based on John Steinbeck's "The Pearl". Mr. Masters was the director, Mr. Folger the filmmaker. What a great experience.
Everyone should have known Jerry Masters!
John Kirkbride
January 21, 2014
Jerry was a gentleman educator. He was a mentor and a visionary. He will be missed.
Jane Archambeau
January 21, 2014
Jerry was the very best person I ever worked with. Those days at Meadowvale were the highlight of my art teaching career. He was a Renaissance Man! His support of the arts, the children and his staff will long be remembered. I thank him for the enthusiasm and love which he gave to so many. My sincere sympathy to his family and all his friends.
Richard Kozbial
January 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Helen, Caroline and Jeff at this difficult time in their lives. Jerry and I studied voice with Amanda Baxter and also sang in the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church. Later they became neighbors on Grantley Road. We also shared many family get-togethers. My wife, Jane, assisted in their sales and I helped Jerry in some of the heavy lifting. Jerry was a kind, considerate and intelligent person. The memories I have of him and his family will live on.
Doug Parton
January 21, 2014
If memory serves, I believe Mr. Masters came to Meadowvale at the start of my 2nd grade year (1976). He was how a principal was supposed to be, stern when it was needed but also compassionate and caring. And who could ever forget his bullhorn. And when he fired that thing up, it was time to be quiet and get on with business. I say this last line with respect and admiration....Rest in Peace Mr. "Megaphone" Masters.
Marlene Davis
January 21, 2014
I will never forget going to your sales with my twin boys. They took such delight in selecting something of interest that would keep them occupied for days. You were both always so pleasant and delightful. My sincerest condolences. Marlene Davis
Dawn Buckles-Woodbury
January 21, 2014
I had the priveldge of having this great man as a principle of Meadowvale. A prince was truly lost. Inspiring, and such a kind soul. My condolences.
Bill McPherson
January 20, 2014
I was one of Mr. Masters students at Jefferson Junior High School back in 1966. He was a fun and caring teacher. My condolences to his family and friends.
Gayle Thawley
January 20, 2014
Yes, VIRGINIA, there has long been a Santa Claus on Marco Island. He has existed as certainly as love and generosity and devotion have existed, and we know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy. Proof positive arrived for many years at Stars & Stripes Early Learning Center every week before Christmas with the jingling of his bells and a HoHoHo. Incredibly, Santa knew each child and their Elf on the Shelf as he gave presents and candy epitomizing love, generosity and devotion for children.
Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no JERRYS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. How fortunate we have been to have had our lives made glad by our very own Santa, Jerry. He may have passed on from us but he will continue to make glad our hearts for our lifetimes. Thanks for the many, many memories Jerry.
Most of all, thank you for being Santa Claus to so many,
Love from your Elfkin!
Amanda Gilmore
January 20, 2014
Mr. Masters was my principal at Lincolnshire Elementary in the 70s, and one of the most memorable people from my childhood. I got the end of his paddle once or twice - but he inspired me to do my best. I've never forgotten him, and I'm sure I never will. So very sorry for your loss.
January 20, 2014
Sincere sympathy from the Purdues in (and near) Toledo. Mom and dad, Suzanne and John, always spoke so fondly of their times with Jerry and Mary Helen.
Bill Purdue - Delta, Ohio
Sara Solomon Dennerline
January 20, 2014
From the Solomon "kids" who attended Lincolnshire under your guidance and friendship - May your memory be a light in the hearts of all who knew you...
Terri Kern
January 20, 2014
The Kern family extends our deepest condolences. He was an exceptional man and educator. All of Lincolnshire will remember him fondly.
Tom and Jean Ann Davis
January 20, 2014
Jerry was a friend of ours for the last fifty years. He enjoyed the finer things in life. Jerry was a good educator and enjoyed doing estate sales. He had a good voice and enjoyed singing at weddings and in the church choir. We shared many happy times with Jerry and Mary Helen.
Our sympathy to Mary Helen and we as Caroline and Jeffrey. He will be missed as a family man.
Danny Duvall
January 19, 2014
Jefferson Jr., 7th grade. One of my favorite teachers. Class was always (except when I was in trouble), a fun learning experience. I did some carpet work in his home many years later. He was a kind man and I am sure he will be missed by many others, as well.
Meadowvale Memories
January 18, 2014
Mr. Masters was the most amazing elementary school principal! He always knew every student's name and made you feel like he was happy to see you in his school. Thirty-five years later, I still have clear visions of him standing in the middle of the cafeteria with his megaphone calling for everyone's attention. An expectant hush would fall across the room and he would then share exactly how many minutes he had been watching a particular piece of garbage on the floor. He would then reward with a free cookie the student who had picked it up, and the rest of us would scramble for days to pick up every piece of garbage we saw. Child psychology at its finest!
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