First Sergeant John Frederick Gerding, U.S. ARMY (Ret.)

First Sergeant John Frederick Gerding, U.S. ARMY (Ret.), age 80, of Lacie, Henry County, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by faith, family, service, music, and a deep appreciation for the people and experiences that filled his days. 

John was born Monday, May 20, 1946, in Dayton, Kentucky, to the late Robert C. and Viola (Bley) Gerding. He grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, alongside his sisters, Bonnie and Joyce, and graduated from Highlands High School in 1964. John was immensely proud of his German heritage. As a young man, John was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. Following his military service, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his degree in music—and, more importantly, met Carla Batts in the music department. They married on May 19, 1973, beginning a partnership that would span more than 53 years.

 After graduating, he shared his love of music by teaching music in Louisa, Kentucky for two years. John returned to the Army and went on to serve for 20+ years, ultimately retiring as a First Sergeant, E-8. A gifted clarinetist, John served with numerous Army bands as a musician, as well as drum major and conductor. Among his most notable assignments were his time with the 113th Army Band at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Occupied City of West Berlin, and his last assignment was as the First Sergeant of the United States Army Band Heidelberg, Germany. He was immensely proud of his service, but the discipline, steadiness and sense of responsibility he carried from the Army were perhaps even more evident in the way he lived the rest of his life. 

John and Carla raised two sons, Robert Duncan and John Andrew. He was a wonderful father who led far more often by example than by words. Some of the family’s best memories were made during summer trips out West, traveling together in a camper and seeing the country. He supported his sons through years of Boy Scouts and countless other pursuits, always present, dependable and quietly encouraging. Later in life, few things brought John more happiness than having his grandsons, Jack and William, with him on the family farm in Henry County. He loved teaching them how to drive the tractor, sharing the farm with them and listening to them play music. To Jack and Will, he was “Poppops,” a role he treasured.

Following years of service, and following military orders, John lovingly followed his wife, Carla, “back home” to Carla’s family farm in Lacie, that he loved as his own. He enjoyed the horses, mowing the property and the simple satisfaction of caring for the land. When he wasn’t outside, he could often be found in his woodworking shop, where there was seemingly always another project underway. John and Carla also shared a love of travel that took them around the world. John appreciated the history, scenery and adventure, but those who traveled with him knew that he was often just as interested in what—and where—they were going to eat next. Music remained one of the great constants of John’s life. His tastes were broad, though he had a particular love for choral and big-band music. John served for ten years as Minister of Music at Centenary Methodist Church, Shelbyville and as the conductor of the Mid-Kentucky Chorus in Springfield, Kentucky. 

Underlying all of it was John’s faith. He was a deeply faithful man who made church an important part of his life wherever he lived. He was active in prayer groups and Bible studies and formed lasting friendships through those communities. His faith was not something he simply professed; it was reflected in the steady way he lived and in the way he treated others. He enjoyed a good story, Dixie Chili, a project in his shop, music worth listening to, time on the farm and, above all, the company of the people he loved. John spent a lifetime making music, serving his country, loving his family and living his faith. He was a soldier, bandleader and father who gave so much of himself. John may have left the formation, but the music, stories, lessons and example he gave his family will carry on for generations.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carla (Batts) Gerding; sons, Robert Duncan Gerding, and his wife, Victoria, and John Andrew Gerding; grandsons, John Kendrick “Jack” Gerding, and William Berryman “Will” Gerding; and a sister, Joyce Ann Kellen, and her husband, Walt. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Jean Gerding.

Memorial Services will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Campbellsburg Baptist Church with Reverend Sandra Murphree Officiating. Reverend Wes Brockway, Dr. Carol Saenger and Captain Matthew Duncan Holman, U.S. NAVY (Ret.) will read scripture and bring remembrances. Military Honors will be conducted at the church. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5 until 8 PM at Campbellsburg Baptist Church. To honor John’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Campbellsburg Baptist Church or to the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. With compassionate care and professionalism, arrangements are entrusted to Beckley Funeral Home.