John “Johnny” Gerber

John “Johnny” Edmund Gerber, 83, of Beaumont, died Friday, November 1, 2019.  He was born September 8, 1936, in Sour Lake, to Thelma Ferguson Gerber and Velmier Vastine Gerber. 

Johnny met the love of his life, Evelyn Latta in the 8th grade in Sour Lake, Texas. He is a 1954 graduate of Sour Lake High School where he played football, basketball and was a member of the band. Johnny then went onto college at Texas A&M and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. He was also a member of the Corps of Cadets. While at Texas A&M, Johnny and Evelyn married during Christmas break of his Sophomore year, December 23, 1955.  After graduating he and Evelyn moved to El Paso where he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  After Johnny’s tour of duty in the U.S. Army they moved to Beaumont where they have been life-long residents, except for a short time in Baton Rouge. 

Johnny followed his father’s footsteps by becoming a member of the Lions Club in his early 20’s, a lifetime-member. As of member of Lion’s Club for over 59 years, he nearly had perfect attendance. He was recently awarded the Melvin Jones’ Award for dedication and service. He was also a proud member of the Beaumont A&M Club. Johnny was honored as a “Golden Aggie” in 2018 meaning that he had been a former Aggie for 60 years. He was a faithfully Aggie football season ticket holder from graduation until 2018. Johnny and Evelyn had 2 boys, Kyle and Kory, who were their pride and joy.  Johnny and Evelyn were active members of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Johnny had been a member of the Disciples of Christ church from birth. He was also a member of the church choir, the property chairman, as well as the faithful grass cutter of the church grounds. Johnny loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved to play golf and building wood furniture for everyone. Johnny loved donating to different charities and was a faithfully donor to the local blood bank for years. He also loved his grandchildren, Hagen and Maggie Gerber, where he earned the name of Papaw, as well as Grumpy.  

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Evelyn Gerber; his brother, Kenneth Gerber and his wife, Donna, of North Venice, Florida; son, Kory Gerber, and his wife, Mandy Gerber, as well as his two grandchildren, Hagen and Maggie Gerber; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dallas Gerber; and son, John Kyle Gerber. 

Memorial contributions for Mr. Gerber may be made to First Christian Church Property Fund, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 or The Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. 

A gathering of Mr. Gerber’s family and friends will be from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2019, at First Christian Church, 5290 North Caldwood Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.