Richard Gerke

Richard Dale Gerke of Plano, Texas, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024. He was born December 10, 1934, at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne to Rudolph and Marie (Cozik) Gerke.

He graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne and Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Richard was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp and married Mary F. Whitelock Gerke in 1963. Mr. Gerke was a Sales Manager for Union Carbide, Corp., Eveready Batteries, the "Energizer Bunny" until his retirement after 34 years with the company.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Gerke; daughters Sara Sax, Debra Survance and her husband Joe, Barbara Bartlett and her husband Paul; grandchildren Andrew and his wife Morgan, Michael, Dakota, Carly and Rowan; brothers John and Ken Gerke; sisters in law Maxine and Irma. He was preceded in death by brothers Walt, Bob, Rudolph, Paul; sister Dorothy, sisters in law Sandy and Judy; and a half-brother Ron Woods.

Richard will receive military honors at a graveside service at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

There will be a celebration of life to follow from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please contact family for details.

If desired and in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite charity.