Thomas B. Gerding

1946 - 2014

ROSEVILLE - Thomas B. "Baptist" Gerding, 67, died Aug. 3, 2014, in Roseville.
He was born Dec. 21, 1946, to Phil and Nancy (Staat) Gerding who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sisters, Paula Pieper of Roseville, Betsy Hanley of Springfield, and Dawn (Rick) Beasley of Richland, Missouri; and his stepson, Chris (Dawn) Johnson and granddaughter Isabella of Downers Grove. He is also survived by an "extended" family of dear friends.
He was raised in Roseville, graduating from Roseville High School in 1964. He joined the Marines after graduation, serving two deployments in Vietnam. He later joined the National Guard, receiving some Special Forces training.
He spent some time in the Southwest living "free and easy" off the land. He was a trucker in Bolingbrook for several years then returned to his roots in Roseville.
He worked a variety of jobs: horse handler, short order cook, trucker and ag-related work.
Tom loved animals, especially horses. He was a history buff and participated in Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactments. He did summer stock theater, loved to strum on his guitar and sing. He was an avid collector of vintage comic books, car and train models, action figures, and movies.
There will be a celebration of life Sept. 13, 2014, at the Roseville American Legion. Family will be present from 4-6 p.m. with a tribute at 6 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Beacon of Hope Hospice, Galesburg. Corman Memorial Home, Roseville, is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cormanmh.com.