Neal E. Gerber, a longtime Tokeland resident died Saturday, September 8, 2012, at his home. He was born January 25, 1941, in Chehalis, Washington, to Gilbert and Maude (Houston) Gerber. Neal married Melody Fettis October 15, 1966, in Centralia. They resided in Chehalis for 29 years before moving to Tokeland. While in Chehalis, Neal worked for the Co-Op School District in Centralia as a shop foreman. He enjoyed any type of work. He was a true handyman and a great mechanic; he enjoyed building 1960s and 70s racecars. A sign on Neal’s garage door read “World’s Greatest Lawnmower Man”, which is what he was referred to throughout the South Beach area. Neal was also known as the king of watching trashy T.V., he loved Jerry Springer! His family called him the sweetest, most gentle giant; he will be greatly missed.
Neal is survived by his wife, Melody of Tokeland; a daughter, Melissa Gerber; a son, Garth Gerber (Vickie Simera) all of Tokeland; two brothers, Alvin Gerber of Vancouver and Carl Gerber of Centralia; two grandchildren, Zoey and Gage; and numerous nieces and nephews. Neal’s two special friends, Teke and Wendy, the family dogs, also survive him. He was preceded in death by sisters, Doris and Ruth.