Gerald Eugene Gassett, 78, of OKC, peacefully went to rest in the arms of Jesus, Saturday afternoon, July 24, 2010, after a short struggle with cancer. Gerald, also known as Papa, was born March 4, 1932, in Wellington, KS to parents Melvin and Lena Gassett. He was raised there until the age of 17 when they moved to Bethany, OK. He graduated from Bethany High School in 1950. After attending a year at Bethany Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) he worked 1 year at Otis Elevator Co. During that year he married his sweetheart of 4 years, Mary Frances Neal. In June of 1952, he left for Germany to serve in the Army for 2 years. In the years that followed, the family was made complete with the addition of a daughter, Sherri Pat, and son Mark Eugene. Upon receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma University, he went to work for SW Bell where he served in 6 different cities as a faithful employee for 31 years. At age 59, he retired and returned with his wife to OKC to live close to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gerald was known as a gracious, gentle and honorable man with a servants heart. It was evident in all he did. He was actively involved in the Nazarene Church wherever they lived, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, serving on the church board, and many other capacities. He was a Kiwanis Club member and served as president. He enjoyed trips with family and friends, building projects for his grandchildren and family members, working in the yard, photo journaling, and living life large with his family. Gerald will be remembered as one who finished strong in Christ, always positive, always encouraging, helping so many others in unseen and unheralded ways. He will be deeply missed. Gerald was preceded in death by both his parents and his older brother Wendell Gassett. He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances, of OKC; daughter Sherri Pat Rothwell and husband Dr. Paul Rothwell of Yukon; son Mark Gassett and wife Brenda of Bethany; 4 grandchildren, Lacie, Leah, Logan and John Mark of Bethany; 3 adult grandchildren, Dr. David Rothwell and wife Connie of OKC, Katie Peterson and husband Scott of Mt. Vernon, OH, Dr. Tim Rothwell and wife Janna of OKC; brother Don Gassett and wife Marlene of OKC; and 7 great-grandchildren, Jack, Lily, Henry, Cody, Zach, Morgan and Evan; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Viewing will be Tuesday, 9am-9pm with the family receiving guests from 6-9pm at Mercer-Adams. Graveside services will be Wed., July 28, 9:00am in Bethany Cemetery with memorial services Thurs., Aug. 5, 4:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. Gifts may be made to the Gerald Gassett Memorial Fund at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene.