Late Legion Cmdr. honored
Lyons gathers to say goodbye to Charles “Moe” Gerny
By Steve Metsch
The late Charles “Moe” Gerny got a fitting send-off from the village he loved.
Gerny, a former commander of Emil Scheive American Legion Post 699, was honored with an outdoor ceremony in front of the Lyons Village Hall on July 9.
About 40 people attended the service for Gerny, who died July 6 in the Hines VA Hospital in Maywood.
Gerny, 70, grew up in Lyons, served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and returned to Lyons where he joined the American Legion post, eventually serving as commander.
“Moe is already missed,” Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty said.
“Whether it’s his friendly embrace, big smile or distinctive look he’d give with a smirk, Moe is missed by his family, friends and our community,” Getty added.
Gordon Marsh, commander of Emil Scheive American Legion Post 699, has fond memories of childhood friend Charles “Moe” Gerny, a former commander who recently died. Photo by Steve Metsch.
Getty said he worked with Gerny on various village events over the years.
“That’s when I got to know him as a person,” the mayor said. “He was always helpful, he was always responsive, he was always very sincere. He was all around a genuine, good man. We miss you, Moe.”
Current post commander Gordon Marsh, a lifelong friend of Gerny, had the crowd laughing.
“Mo was raised here. We all got in trouble here. We all did our things here. It’s Lyons. You might leave Lyons, but your heart is still in Lyons. Moe’s heart has always been in Lyons,” Marsh said.
“The only way I can say thanks to somebody who has done so much to Emil Scheive Post 699 is to send him off in peace,” Marsh said. “I know he’s already causing havoc wherever he’s at.”
During the ceremony, guitarist Dave Molinari sang “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace.”
Afterwards, Marsh said Gerny “lived life to the fullest.”
“I grew up across the street from him,” Marsh said. “I was in Vietnam in the Marine Corps and he was in the Army. We’d write letters (to each other).”
“I put the first hole in his head. I hit him with a turpentine can,” Marsh said.
“His brother and him were always bigger than me. So, I went racing up, I wanted to be the king of the mountain, so I hit him with turpentine can and put 10 stiches in his head. I was king for that day, then I got paid back by Moe,” Marsh said with a laugh.
Gerny lost a lung to cancer about 25 years ago, Marsh said.
“I saw him on the Fourth of July and he looked great,” Marsh said.
Gerny was buried at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Desplaines Valley News
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]
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