Gerald J Naber

Gerald J. Naber (age 94) of Inverness, Florida
March 27, 1928 – July 18, 2022
Gerald Naber was born in Holland, Michigan, to Arend and Gertie Naber who had immigrated from Germany in 1925. Jerry graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1946 and attended Hope College and Calvin College before entering the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduating in 1952, he entered the U. S. Air Force where he trained in single engine jet aircraft. His career with the Air Force spanned 30 years and included flying and instructing jet fighters, directing air operations in Southeast Asia, and teaching at the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Raymond of Holland, MI, and son David G. Naber who like his dad was an Air Force pilot. He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary Smith Naber of Inverness; brother Roger Naber of Holland, Michigan; daughter MaryAnn Naber and her husband Gregg Stuessi of Waterbury, Vermont; stepsons Clifford Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Tim Smith of Melbourne, Kentucky; grandchildren Cynthia, Samuel, and Isabella Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

Jerry loved his family, country, and church and was active in community and church wherever he lived. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 550 US Hwy 41 Inverness, on Tuesday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m., Fr. Claudius Mganga will be the Celebrant. Immediately following his Funeral Mass, VFW Post 7122 will present military honors for Jerry, in front of the church. Family and friends are invited from 12:30pm. Arrangements under the direction of Chas E. Davis Funeral Home. Internment will take place at a later date at West Point. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution may be to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Vitas Hospice in Lecanto, Florida.