Lt Col Ret Marvin (Marv) Eugene Gerard

Marvin (Marv) Eugene Gerard 93, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on May 15, 2026.

Public viewing will be 9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, TX.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Marv Gerard was born on March 29,1933 to Stanley Gilbert Gerard and Helen Mary Konieczna Gerard in Chicago, IL. Although growing up in Chicago he spent many summers on his Grandparents farm in Blairsburg, Iowa helping with the many farming activities. This had a tremendous influence on his life and as a result he enjoyed the duties of owning a small farm in Clyde, TX, raising cattle and taking care of the land.

Following Marv's graduation from Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago, IL he attended Wright Jr College in Chicago and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1951. In 1954 Marv received his basic pilot training in Bainbridge, GA graduating with distinctions at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX with the class of 54-N and was retained as an instructor pilot for several years. He flew the B-25 and the KC-135 aircraft with the 917th Air Refueling Squadron at Dyess AFB and ultimately served as Squadron Commander of the 301st Air Refueling Squadron at Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio. Marv served his country as a pilot throughout his career including his service in Vietnam. During his military career Marv was stationed at Bainbridge, GA, Reese AFB, Lubbock, TX, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS, Osan AB, Korea, Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA, Randolph AFB, San Antonio, TX, Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, Vietnam, Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX and Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, OH. After serving 23 years, Lt Col Gerard separated from the Air Force in 1974.

No time was wasted and a new career began. In September 1974 Marv entered the Real Estate business and achieved his Brokers license in 1976. He was a member of the Abilene Board of REALTORS, Texas Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS and generously served on numerous committees at all levels of these organizations. The Abilene Board of REALTORS selected Marv as their recipient of the REALTOR of the Year award in 1982 and Marv served as President of the Abilene Board of REALTORS in 1985.

After a successful real estate sales career and company ownership, in 1989 Marv became the Executive Officer for the Abilene Board of REALTORS until his retirement in 2006. During this tenure he achieved his RCE designation and was among the pioneers to receive the National Association of REALTORS prestigious award. He mentored many other Executive Officers not only in Texas but around the nation, encouraging them to achieve this distinguished designation. As Executive Officer Marv was recognized for outstanding service to the Real Estate industry by receiving the Tom D Morton award presented by the Texas Association of REALTORS.

After his retirement Marv enjoyed his volunteer work through the Red Cross serving at the Dyess AFB Pharmacy. He also enjoyed traveling and took great pride in working on behalf of the Waterside@Wyndham Homeowner's Association.

Marv had a distinguishable and infectious laugh and in any crowded room his presence was undeniable.

Marv married Jennie Terry Powell on December 15,1975. They enjoyed many years working, traveling and sharing an enormously happy and fun-filled life together. Family gatherings were always a cherished favorite.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jennie, son Russell Gerard and wife Diane of Willis, TX, daughter Donna Dolphin and husband Mike of Red Oak, TX, son Curtis Gerard and wife, Linda of Round Rock, TX, stepdaughter Melanie Jones and husband, Greg of Tuscola, TX and stepson Mike Powell and wife, Kim of Abilene, TX, grandchildren, Autumn Jewett (Tracy), Jason Dolphin (Jessica), Justin Gerard (Tagen), Austin Gerard, Thomas Saverance (Duste), Rebecca Martin (Robby), Cydney Bernardi (Dante), Callie Deeken (Chase), and fourteen great grandchildren.

Marv was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Warren Gerard and Gerald Gerard and daughter-in-law Gail Bingham Gerard. A private family service is planned to honor Marv's life and legacy. He will be deeply missed.

The family wishes a heartfelt thank you to the skilled nursing staff at Wesley Court for their loving care during his extended stay. To us Wesley Court is considered more than just a care facility, they are family. Thank you also to Hendrick Hospital North and Hendrick Hospice for the compassionate care provided by both the doctors and staff. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bindu Goel, Dr. Okeny Modi and Dr. Clinton Cavuoti for their dedication and kindness in taking care of Marv.

In lieu of flowers donations would be welcome to his church, St Paul United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels or your favorite charity.