Gerald Lehman Crater

Gerald “Jerry” Lehman Crater, 84, of Newcomerstown, died Friday, March 29, 2013 in Coshocton Memorial Hospital while surrounded by his family.

A son of the late Gerald Bramhall and the late Thelma Beryl (Lehman) Crater Meek, Jerry was born August 12, 1928 at Newcomerstown,, Ohio.

Jerry graduated from Newcomerstown High School in 1946. On October 31, 1950, he enlisted with the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge on November 1, 1952.

At the age of 11, Jerry started working for a local Newcomerstown dairy helping with the milk route. He then took employment with Meadow Gold Dairy at Coshocton and retired as a supervisor after 40 years with the company. He then became a parking enforcer for the City of Cambridge and retired again after 20 years of service.

Jerry was a member of Isleta United Methodist Church at Newcomerstown and was an avid NASCAR fan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn “Kitten” Jean (Taylor) Crater whom he married on April 14, 1951 at New Philadelphia; two daughters, Jere Kay (Steve) Gardner of Zanesville and Jana Lea (Denis) Miller of Newcomerstown; a grandson, Clay Gardner of Zanesville; a sister, Bonnie (Chuck) Turner of Coshocton; a brother, Jeffrey (Diane) Meek of West Lafayette and a nephew and several nieces and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his step-father, Godfrey Meek.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes there will be no public calling hour or services and cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. Private graveside services will be held in State Street Cemetery at Newcomerstown.

Contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Isleta United Methodist Church, 58608 County Road 9, Newcomerstown, OH 43832.