Penny John Jones

1986 - 2014

Charles John Gerst, Jr., 27, of Alexandria VA and most recently of Morrisdale, PA passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College.

He was born December 29, 1986 in Philipsburg, PA the son of Charles J. Gerst of Tionesta, Pa and Penny Jayne (Turner) Gerst Jones of Morrisdale, PA.

Charles was a member of the 193rd Special Operations Wing in the United States Air Force. He worked for General Dynamics of Alexandria, VA as a Communications Network Specialist.

He was Christian by Faith. Chuck was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hiking and had recently hiked Mt. Machu Picchu in Peru. He participated in many charitable races, including a recent "Tough Mudder" run. He enjoyed many sports but was especially fond of snowboarding. He had also volunteered to help less fortunate children in multiple countries. Chuck put his heart and soul into everything he did and this is evidenced by all of his accomplishments. He was loved by everyone who met him and his infectious smile could brighten any room instantly.

Charles is survived by his parents, his step father, Larry W. Jones of Morrisdale, two sisters; Jessica M. Gerst and her fiancée, Anthony Lash of Grampian, PA and, Whitney E. Bass-Gainey and her husband, Alden of Macon, GA, maternal grandmother, Dorothy Turner of Morrisdale, paternal grandparents, Elmer and Margaret Gerst of Pittsburgh, PA, maternal uncles and aunts; Tom Turner and his wife, Kim, Terry Turner and his wife, Teresa and Pam Carlson and her husband, Dan, paternal aunts and uncles; Larry and Vicki Roberson, Christine Gerst, Mark and Peggy Lehew and Dan and Jan Richards, three nephews; Everett, Mason and Wesley, maternal cousins; Tommy Turner and his wife, Christen, Danny Carlson and his wife, Sara, Courtney Turner and Alyssa Turner, paternal cousins; Jenny, JC, Michael, Matthew, Pamela, Paul, Alex, Logan, Ian, Jack and Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Duane Turner and two cousins; Robbie Carlson and Krista Carlson.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at 10:00 A.M. at the Gethsemane United Methodist Church, Morrisdale, PA 16858 with Rev. Heather Baker-McAllister officiating. Interment will be in the Centre Hill Cemetery, Morrisdale. Military Honors will be accorded at the Cemetery by the DuBois Honor Guard.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 9th from 2-4 and 7-9PM and at the church on Thursday, July 10th from 9:00 AM until the hour of the services.

Arrangements under the direction of Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Clearfield, 312 East locust Street, Clearfield, PA 16830.