Paul Dean Gerber was born August 3, 1929 in Baltic, Ohio, the third son of Percy S. and Edith C. (Hoffman) Gerber. With the exception of three years, (1950-1953) he resided in Baltic, Ohio his entire life.
He attended Baltic High School and Canton Actual Business College, graduating in 1950. In 1955 he completed the OSU/OFFGA Extension Course in AG/Business Management.
On February 11, 1950, he married the former Wilma A. Rauschenbach of Baltic. They are the parents of three sons, Michael D. Gerber, Steven R. Gerber and Thomas E. Gerber. The three sons and their wives have blessed Dean and Wilma with seven grandchildren.
They have been active members of the Baltic United Methodist Church where he served as a Lay Leader, Sunday School Superintendent and Adult Teacher.
From 1950-1953 he was employed by Muskingum Valley Lumber Company in Coshocton, Ohio as a bookkeeper and accountant. From 1953 until his passing he was employed by Gerber and Sons, Inc. serving in the capacity of Treasurer, General Manager and was President at his death.
He served as a Director of the Baltic State Bank from 1956 until his death.
Most Worshipful Brother Gerber was also active in the community serving as a Councilman from 1960 to 1966 and as Mayor from 1966 to 1970 and at his death was serving as a member of the Board of Public Affairs.
He was a member, Past President and Director of the Baltic Lions Club, The Baltic Community Club, Tri-County Community Improvement Corporation, and was a member of The Baltic Conservation Club. He worked with the youth of the community as a Boy Scout Leader and Little League Coach.
M. W. Brother Gerber was raised a Master Mason in West Lafayette Lodge No. 602 on April 16, 1951 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1977 and 1978.
M. W. Brother Gerber was a member of Samaritan Chapter No. 50, R. A. M.; Coshocton Council No. 110, R. & S. M.; Coshocton Commandery No. 63, K. T.; and Holy Rood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine.
In The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, he was a member of the Valley of Canton, where he was serving Emeth Lodge of Perfection as its Deputy Master at his death. He was Coroneted a 33rd Degree, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 1989. He was also a member of the Tri-City Scottish Rite Club.
He was a member of Tadmor Temple Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. where he was a member of the Past Master’s Unit; Heart of Ohio Council No. 258, Allied Masonic Degrees; West Lafayette Chapter No. 342, O. E. S. having served as Worthy Patron in 1972, 1979, and in 1985; He was also a member of The White Shrine of Jerusalem, Coshocton, Ohio. In 1991 he was invested with the Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor.
He served the Nineteenth Masonic District as its District Deputy Grand Master in 1981, 1982, and 1983.
In 1984 he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon of The Grand Lodge of Ohio by Most Worshipful Brother Richard M. Wilson. He was subsequently appointed Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal and Grand Orator. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1988, Senior Grand Warden in 1989, Deputy Grand Master in 1990 and on October 18, 1991 he was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.
During the year April 1, 1991 to March 31, 1992 Most Worshipful Brother Gerber served The Conference of Grand Masters of North America as a member of the Conference Committee.
M. W. Brother Gerber passed away on January 24, 1993 in Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio. Masonic Services were conducted by Right Worshipful Brother Billy A. Calendine and West Lafayette Lodge No. 602 on January 26, 1993. Funeral services were held on January 27, 1993 at The Baltic United Methodist Church under the direction of The Smith Funeral Home of Baltic, Ohio. Internment was at The Westlawn Cemetery, Baltic, Ohio.