Howard Clarence Gerken

Goldsboro - Howard Clarence Gerken, 77, passed away on Sunday at Wayne Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Howard was born in Napoleon, Ohio on March 10, 1933 to the late John F. Gerken and Ruth Kline Gerken. He had attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Ridgeville High School. At the age of 18, Howard enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Wisconsin, Colorado, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Viet Nam, California and North Carolina. While stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base he married Peggy Wade and they moved to Whellus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya along with Mike, Jeff, Mark and later John was added. Later they moved to Grand Forks Air Force Base where he retired as Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. He was a EOD specialist. Howard also retired from DuPont after 23 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his family and had special place in his heart for his grandchildren. Howard was a fan of the New York Yankee's and of UNC basketball. He also got great pleasure in gardening and building things with his hands. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church with Rev. Todd Kruegar and Rev. Mark Thomas officiating. Interment will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in Snow Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Howard is survived by his wife, Peggy Wade Gerken; his children, Michael Ray Thomas and wife Deb of Florida, Jeffrey Wade Thomas and wife Debbie Lynn of Goldsboro, Mark Haywood Thomas and wife Tracy of Goldsboro, and John Howard Gerken and wife Angie of Goldsboro; his grandchildren, Rebekah Sorensen, Miranda Johnston, Tiffany Thomas, Shane Thomas, Keli Gerken, Katlyn Gerken, Kourtni Gerken, and James Calab Thomas; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Marlene Patterson, Jeanette Holers, Rosie Helberg and Karen Maassel; and his brother, Kenneth Gerken. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Ada Gerken and his grandson, Cameron Gerken. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and also following the service at New Hope United Methodist Church. At other times the family will be at his home, 2605 Burtus Drive, Goldsboro.