Kenneth “Ken” Lee Gerdes, Sr.,

Kenneth “Ken” Lee Gerdes, Sr., 81, of Macon, Georgia, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, in the chapel of Hart’s at the Cupola, with Dr. Baxter Hurley officiating.  The family will greet friends following the service.

Son of the late Wilford Lee Gerdes and Ruth Peterson Gerdes, Ken was born on February 9, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas.  After graduating from Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, he furthered his education at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Ken proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines.  His love for his nation was only paralleled by his commitment to the well-being of his community.

Ken spent his 30+ years in the TV business with his last job being the station manager at WGXA TV 24 in Macon. He dedicated much of his life to volunteerism and community service. Ken was actively involved in the Sertoma Club, the Macon Rotary Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He also served on the board of various organizations including the Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club of Macon, and the Jaycees. His passion was golf and he was a member of Idle Hour Country Club for many years, where he was the super senior club champion. He was also a member of the Georgia Senior Golfers Association. He ran and organized the Macon Middle GA golf tournament for many years.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Peggy Gerdes of Macon; son, Kenneth Lee Gerdes, Jr. (Jan) of Forsyth, Georgia; daughter, Kelley Gerdes Keller (Charlie) of Buffalo, New York; grandchildren: Alex Gerdes, Chaz Keller, and Kendall Keller; one great grandchild, Isaac Bautista; sisters, Becky Baker, of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Ann Schneider (Bill) of Barnhart, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills Church, Marine Corp League, or to the donor’s favorite charity.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.