Gerald M. Temple

Former German Town Road Superintendent Gerald M. ("Bub") Temple passed peacefully to his rest on Tuesday, January 13th, at his home in German, NY.

Gerald M. Temple was born on January 2, 1923 to Harry and Hazel (Law) Temple of German, NY and lived his entire life in the township where he was born. Gerald, (or "Bub" as he was affectionately known by most everyone,) married Thelma M. Brewer on August 28, 1945, and they remained married for 63 years. They had five children: Dawn, Gary, Gerald (Jerry), Mark and Mike respectively.

"Bub" was a kind and gentle man who loved his family, friends and neighbors. He was especially fond of animals and enjoyed the company of "Pete" the family dog over the last 10+ years of his life. He served as the Town of German Superintendent of Roads for 20+ years, (a role his son Jerry still holds, and a role that his father Harry held for many years as well.)

"Bub" was well known for his generosity, and his heart always went out to those who were less fortunate than himself. He enjoyed music immensely, played guitar and tenor banjo, and was well known for holding country music/bluegrass "hoe-downs" in the family's home. Many Saturday evenings were spent playing music at "Bub" and Thelma's, and friends still talk about the happy moments that were spent there. The crowning touch of most "hoe-downs" was "Bub" singing "I'm Gonna Leave Old Texas Now" and duets with his wife that included their favorite collaboration of "Little Green Valley."

He was a very inventive person, a great story teller, and a compassionate friend and ally to both young and old. He had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and an easy smile. He loved to tell and listen to a good joke, and was often found sitting on the family's side porch with friends and family in his later years enjoying nature and cup of instant coffee. "Bub" was a friend to all, a good neighbor, and a surrogate father to many.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Temple, his mother Hazel (Law) Temple, and a grandson Jeremy Temple. "Bub" is survived by Thelma, his loving wife of 63 years, a daughter Dawn Temple and her husband Phillip Lang of Wakefield, MA, a son Gary and his wife Elaine of Keene, TX, a son Gerald (Jerry) and his wife Carolyn of German, NY, a son Mark and his partner Ruth Sacharsky of German, NY, and a son Michael and his wife Roberta of Bowman, ND. Also surviving is a sister, Edith Rowe, of Willet, NY, an aunt, Bertha Duel (108 years old) of Oxford, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, neighbors and friends.

Visitation with the family will take place on Friday evening, January 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home in Cincinnatus, NY. Funeral services will also be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. His son, Pastor Michael Temple, will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the children request that financial gifts be sent in memory of "Bub" to his widow, Thelma Temple, 631 Smith-Kingman Road, McDonough, NY 13801.