Msgt. Gerald R. 'Jerry' Thierwechter, USAF Ret., 66

CLAYTON - Msgt. Gerald R. "Jerry" Thierwechter USAF Retired, of Clayton, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, April 16, 2009. He was 66. Jerry was born June 17, 1942, in Lebanon, Pa., the son of the late Ralph and Elizabeth Boyer Thierwechter. He worked in the MIS area of Playtex Products, Inc. in Dover, for 40 years before retirement. His favorite hobby was working as a handyman. Jerry graduated from Northern Lebanon High School at Fredericksburg, Pa. Jerry enjoyed his scouting days and reached the rank of Star Scout. Jerry was a life member with the Hartly Fire Company and served as an EMT Ambulance Captain and Firefighter. Jerry served four years of active duty in the United States Air Force and later became an Air Force Reservist where he served in the Persian Gulf War before retiring with over 20 years of service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph E. and John R. Thierwechter. Jerry is survived by his wife of 31 years, Deborah Davidson Thierwechter; a daughter, Jennifer T. Rambo and her husband, Christopher of Lewes; a stepson, Larry A. Lavender, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer of Metuchen, N.J.; and two sisters, Doris Suloff and her husband, William of Lititz, Pa., and Marilyn Umberger and her husband Robert of Jonestown, Pa.; and two granddaughters, Sarah and Lindsay Rambo. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street, Smyrna, where friends may call two hours prior to the services. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.