Raymond Gerow

Went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, August 12, 2021. Ray was born November 18, 1922 in Paw Paw, MI the son of Millen and Bessie (Anderson) Gerow and lived most of his life in the Kalamazoo area. He attended a one room school for 6 years and graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1940. He grew up on the family farm and joined the Marine Corps from 1942-1945. He became part of the 5th Marine Division that captured Iwo Jima. Ray farmed for a few years after his second discharge in 1951. He then worked in the board and paper industry for 37 and a half years before retiring in 1988 from James River Paper. Ray lived many years in Paw Paw Township, then Portage, then settled in Schoolcraft. He was a longtime member of the Berean Baptist Church. On March 2, 1946 Ray was united in marriage to his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Ewing) who preceded him in death on September 17, 2003. He was also preceded in death his parents; a son, Lon Gerow; sisters, Doris and Lorraine; brother, Harold; and daughter-in-law, Linda Gerow. Ray is survived by his daughter, Alison Knight; sons, Kim Gerow, Gary (Joy) Gerow; daughter-in-law, Kathy Gerow;12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Friday, August 20 at Berean Baptist Church, 7813 South 12th Street, Portage, MI 49024. A private graveside service will be held at 1:30pm Friday, August 20 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Berean Baptist Church Missionary Fund. To view Ray's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com