Gerald Darwin Rotter

Gerald Darwin Rotter, known by his friends as Gerry, was born September 4, 1921, in Pitcher, Oklahoma to John and Stella Rotter. He graduated high school in Commerce, Oklahoma and moved shortly thereafter to Oatman, Arizona to work as a truck driver for Lee Lumber Company. While in Oatman, he met and fell in love with Lois Wade. They were married in June of 1942, after which Gerry joined the service and served his country honorably. His bravery during World War II and the Vietnam War earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit. Flying numerous missions from 1942 through 1945, he was in the first squadron to bomb Germany, and he flew in the last bombing raid to Japan. Over the years, he served in Tactical Air Command, Pacific Air Command, Missile Air Command, and Strategic Air Command. Gerry and his family were stationed in many places, including cities in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia. He retired with honors in 1975, serving over 33 years and having achieved the rank of Colonel with the United States Air Force. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Gerry and Lois settled down in Austin, Texas, where they focused on home and family. The couple enjoyed RVing every summer in Gunnison, Colorado for over 20 years. Gerry never met a stranger and was known for helping anyone he came in contact with. He assisted in the local hardware store, visited with friends at the barbershop and went for coffee at Fran's. He also volunteered with the Pecan Springs Springdale Hills Neighborhood Association for many years. Gerry was the Coordinator for the Weed and Seed Program and was happy to assist on any community project where he was needed. Gerry passed away on February 10, 2011, in the caring home of Hope and Brandon Knight. Gerry is survived by his son and daughter, Gerald David Rotter and Sheryl Rotter Wallin, both of Austin, TX, four grandchildren, Christopher Wallin, Melissa Green, Kelly Linstrom, and Shayna Rotter, four great grandchildren, Cheyenne Wallin, Cassidy Wallin, Hannah Linstrom, and Avery Linstrom, and many, many friends. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, Texas. A Reception will follow the service.