Gerald Cowan Dyer's Obituary
Gerald Cowan Dyer peacefully passed away in his home on January 10, 2022. Gerald was born on July 4, 1924 to Charles and Estelline Dyer in rural Chariton, Iowa.
Gerald graduated from Corydon High School in early February of 1948, after returning home from serving a 3-year tour with the United States Navy serving on many ships around the world. After graduating, he then re-enlisted into the Navy in Des Monies on February 24, 1948. After a nine-year tour, he was discharged from service in Long Beach, California on February 6, 1957 and again re-enlisted on February 7, 1957. Gerald was assigned to many ships all over the world. On February 5, 1972 he was assigned to the USS Midway where is stayed until his retiremen. Gerald received his certificate for crossing the equator on September 6, 1950 also on this date he was accepted in the "Ancient and Sacred Order of the Golden Dragon" while aboard the USS Missouri BB-63. He received the "Navy Commendation Medal" for time periods of May 24 to July 15, 1968 while aboard the USS Boyd (DD-544) and aboard the USS Midway from April 1972 to December 1972. On May 16, 1961 he got the "Gunner's Mate Chief Acting Appointment". In November 16, 1965 he was promoted to "Senior Chief Gunner's Mate," the highest rank that could be achieved by an enlisted person. He retired on July 2, 1973 while aboard the USS Midway. He served in WWII, the Korean War, and did three tours in Vietnam.
After retirement, Gerald moved to the peace and tranquility of a farm near his hometown of Corydon. Raising sheep and maintaining a farm made for a very active retirement. He always said that he has seen the world but he chooses Iowa to call home after retirement from the United States Navy. Gerald raised and sold sheep to 4-H kids and loved attending the sheep shows where his own sheep were shown to see how they did in competition. He raised and cared for many head of sheep from the beginning of his retirement to the age of 90, and in early 2021, sold his last set of breeding ewes to his nephew, Clayton Dyer. Gerald also loved having breakfast at Hy-Vee every morning and visiting with folks that passed through the store while he was there.
Serving in the Navy for 30 years is a strong testimonial of love and dedication to his country. Retirement from the Navy and his return to Corydon demonstrates an equally strong love and dedication to home and family. Gerald is loved and respected by all who have had the privilege of being included in his life circle. "MAY THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN."
Left to cherish Gerald's memory are several nieces and nephews, Jean Odom, Larry Sinclair, Linda Martindale (Virgil), Roger Lowe (Peggy), Clair Dyer, Linda Irwin (Steve), Debbie Harris (Orvil), Peggy Hamilton (Kenneth), Kathy Hargrave (Stan), Dean Lowe (Mary), Bill Sinclair (Melissa), Kelly Summerlin (Jeff), 41 great-nephews and nieces, 81 great-great-nephews and nieces, 9 great-great-great-nephews and nieces and many, many other family and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Estelline Dyer, sisters, Maureen Ansley, Virginia Pugh, Eloise Lowe, Phyliss Sinclair, Joyce McNeish, a brother Clyde Dyer, nephews Bob Pugh, Don Pugh, Charles Dakan, Terry Sinclair, and Ron Lowe, and a niece Marylin Dunkel.
Services for Gerald will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Interment will take place at Corydon Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior at 10:00 AM at Thomas Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the family and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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