Raymond J. Gerik

Raymond J. Gerik, age 87, of Temple, passed away late Saturday night, September 3, 2011 at Scott & White Hospital in Temple. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Anthony Odiong as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mr. Gerik was born August 4, 1924 in Elm Mott, the son of Max James and Agnes (Soukup) Gerik. He attended schools in Elm Mott. He served his country with the United States Army Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1945. On June 25, 1949 he was united in marriage to Odilie Anne Roessler in Corpus Christi. She preceded him in death on August 18, 2008. He was a sheet metal worker for the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station for over 10 years and for Ft. Hood Army Base for over 15 years, before retiring in 1981. Raymond and Ann owned the R&A Caf in West for 13 years. They moved to Temple in 1993. Raymond was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church in Temple. He was also a member of the Rod and Gun Club of Ft. Hood and the Knights of Columbus Council, where he served in the 4th degree. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, playing dominoes, canning, and bowling. Raymond was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Fred Gerik and Frank Gerik. Survivors include two sons, Dennis Gerik and wife Yun of Morgans Point and Darrell Gerik and wife Susan of San Antonio; two daughters, Donna Rhea and husband Ron of Liberty Hill and Darlene Morris and husband Michael of Hewitt; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Zane Morris, Andrew "Andy" Mancilla, Christopher Gerik, David Roessler, Freddie Gerik, Anthony Schenk and Billy Roessler. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic High School, 6608 W. Adams Ave. Temple, Texas 76501.