Edward Otto Gerhold passed away peacefully early in the morning on Tuesday, May 7, at the OSU Hospital in Columbus. Born September 15, 1942, to E. L. "Red" and Mary Catherine Gerhold, Ed attended Bexley Public Schools, graduated from Kentucky Military statute and Ohio University. Survived by his loving wife, Donna (Reedy) and two devoted sons, Ned and Ty (Cindy); two grandchildren, Abby and Gunner; and his brother Carl (Beth) of High Point, NC. Preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Catherine, sister Catherine Charlotte Zanon Gerber, her husband, Roman Gerber, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Active in ROTC at OU, Ed entered the military after graduation and spent a year in Seoul, Korea, before being posted to Fort Eustis in VA. He retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army.

Ed began his business career at Atkinson-Dauksch Insurance Agencies in downtown Columbus and was actively involved with the National Association of Surety Bond Producers and the Ohio Contractors Association. Subsequently, he and Donna purchased Teacher's Helper, retailing educational supplies in ultimately three locations: Brice Road in Reynoldsburg, Cherry Square in Westerville and North West Square in Dublin.

Always a kind, considerate and non-judgmental soul, he truly found his "crew" late in life and discovered real joy and happiness. Many commented on how much they loved his laugh and the example he set for others.

Ed's life will be celebrated from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 5475 Brand Road in Dublin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbus Symphony, 55 E. State Street, Columbus, OH 43215, or Gethsemani Abbey, 3642 Monks Rd., Trappist, KY 40051-6152