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Lemuel A. Geyer, 99, formerly of Haverford, a retired executive of Sun Oil Company, died peacefully on February 15 at Meadowood in Worcester, Montgomery County. Mr. Geyer grew up in Boyertown and Norristown, graduating from Norristown High School and the University of Pennsylvania, where his classmates elected him spademan in recognition of outstanding service to the university community. The spade symbolized 4th honors among men in the senior class. Heavily involved in both the YWCA and the YMCA in his adult years, in 1934 Mr. Geyer was elected president of the Dramateurs, a drama group organized from dramatic art educational classes at the Norristown YWCA. Later he became active at the Main Line YMCA, where he served on the Board of Managers for many years and as Chairman of the Board from 1968-1971. He was also instrumental in organizing a travelogue series. Mr. Geyer and his wife, the late Elizabeth Basset Geyer, whom he married in 1937, traveled widely in Hawaii, Europe, South America and East Asia, and relished sharing their experiences by visiting schools in the Lower Merion School District and enhancing students’ education through slides and commentary on their trips. As a result of his humble upbringing, Mr. Geyer eagerly seized opportunities to give back to the community. He was an active participant in the ArdWood Civic Association, and he served on a panel of senior advisers to Richard Schweiker, former representative and senator from Pennsylvania, advising the senator both locally and in Washington, DC, on matters relevant to aging under the auspices of the Retired Service Volunteer Program. Of all his activities, however, probably the most meaningful to Mr. Geyer was his involvement in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Ardmore, where he became a member in 1943 and where all who knew him described him as a “pillar of the church.” He served on the Congregation Council at four different times, totaling 17 years of service, and was elected president several times. He also taught Sunday school and confirmation classes, chaired the Bicentennial Committee and was a member of various other committees, including the Long-range Planning Committee. Undoubtedly the term most often used to describe Mr. Geyer by all who knew him was “a true gentleman.” His kindness, cheerfulness, gentleness balanced by strength, concern for others, sense of justice, unconditional love of his family and unwavering faith in God were an inspiration to all, especially his children, whom he called his “three treasures.” In the words of Bill Fox, President of the Meadowood Residents Association, “His attitude reminds us that dignity and delight are precious gifts all the days of life. He faced the challenges of aging with a dignity and grace that has taught us all.” Mr. Geyer is survived by daughters Barbara G. Keyser (Thomas) and Nancy G. Gustafson (Dale), son Robert B. (Nicky), four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 415 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore 19003, on Saturday, March 22, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations in his memory be made to his beloved St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Tributes

Lemuel A. Geyer

March 22, 1908 - February 15, 2008