Gerald Edward Kahler

Gerald “Jerry” Kahler of Bastrop, Texas passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2020.

Jerry was born in Hartford, Ohio to Wilma and Dale Kahler on October 25, 1940. He grew up in the small town of Cortland, Ohio and excelled in learning from an early age, graduating Valedictorian of his high school class. He attended Ohio University on a full scholarship from General Motors. It was during a Folk and National Dance Class (a non-athlete’s way to fulfill OU’s freshman athletic requirement) that he met his future wife Judy from Germantown, Ohio and they married after graduation (again top of his business school class) in 1962. Jerry then completed his MS at the University of Wisconsin and began his successful 32 year career in personnel with General Motors, most of which took place in Detroit.

He retired early to pursue his dream of studying American history, a goal which he accomplished with a second master’s degree from the University of Richmond and a PhD in 2003 from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The PhD was earned despite being diagnosed with what was initially called a “terminal” brain tumor while writing his dissertation. All that knew Jerry are aware of his admiration for George Washington, a passion that began as a first grader’s Halloween costume and evolved into a lifetime of memorabilia collection and scholarship. He published a book, “The Long Farewell: Americans Mourn the Death of George Washington” and enjoyed speaking to historical societies and sharing his collection with fellow history-lovers.

Jerry’s first passion was his family for which he worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life. He planned memorable family vacations, created special holiday traditions, and lovingly fathered as the ultimate example of work ethic, consistency and morality. Probably his greatest joy came late in life with the birth of his grandson Tyler; their epic Army Man battles and imaginative tales filled his heart with happiness and helped him get through many years of medical challenges.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his beloved and dedicated wife of 58 years, Judith “Judy” Kahler of Bastrop, Texas, daughter Holly and son-in-law Brandon “Cowboy” Gigout of Smithville, Texas, the grandsons he loved so much Brandon “Mikey” Gigout and Tyler Gigout, his Texas family, the Gigout’s of Bastrop County, siblings Kenneth “Kenny” (Carla) Kahler of Warren, OH, Nancy (Robert) Ward of Canandaigua, NY, Janice “Jan” Kahler of St. Louis, MO, Howard “Howie” (Sarah) Kahler of Burgill, OH, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Sue Fairchild and his baby daughter Amy Marie Kahler.

For the health and safety of all that loved him, funeral services will be postponed until further notice.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested that any memorials in his honor be sent to Calvary Episcopal School in Bastrop, Texas. The family would like to thank the many angels that helped physically and spiritually care for Jerry in his final year including the Reverend Matt Stone, Dr. Robert Dougherty, Nathan Brewerton, Jesse Guerra and Altus Hospice.