Demers, Gerald Z. "Gerry"; Colonel, United States Army (Retired) 83, of Tipp City, OH passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at SpringMeade Health Center, Tipp City. Gerry was born on September 25, 1934 to Henri and Laurette {Boisvert} Demers of Manchester, NH. Commissioned in the U. S. Army upon his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, Class of 1956. Gerry had a distinguished 27 year career. Initially an Infantry Officer, completing Parachute and Ranger Schools, the majority of his service was in the Ordnance Corps as a Logistician. During his career he served throughout the United States, Germany (twice), Korea, Canada, and Vietnam. Service highlights include; Master of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Alabama; Engineering faculty member and co-founder of the Computer Science Department at West Point; student at the Royal Canadian Staff College; Headquarters staff of the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam, planning and production of the Abrams M-1 Main Battle Tank, Maintenance Battalion commanding officer, Head of Logistics for US Army FIFTH Corps, implementation of early 1980's plan to supply water to troops in the event of a Middle East war, and Deputy Commandant of the US Army Logistics School. In 1983 he retired to Petersburg, VA where he served on the faculty of the Virginia State University, Engineering Technology Department. He retired to Tipp City in 2003 where he became an active member of the community being chairman of Needy Basket of Southern Miami County for many years, Tipp-Monroe Community Services, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #586. He was married to the former Maureen Lemaire of Suncook, NH for 48 years. Maureen preceded Gerry in death in 2004. Gerry is survived by his second wife, the former Mara Back of Tipp City, Michael Demers (Julie) of West Chester, OH; Karen Look (Henry) of Annapolis, MD, Brian Demers (Kathy) and his grandsons Alex and Kyle of West Chester, OH, Stephen Back (Sheila) of Tipp City, OH, Tim Back of Union OH, his sister Henrietta Fortin (Ronald) of York, ME, his brother Mr. Andre Demers (Diane) of Manchester, NH and was preceded in death by his sister Ms. Sylvia House of Utica, NY, unofficially adopted daughter Sally (Collis) Wells of Staunton, VA and her daughter Ashley. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 753 S. Hyatt St. Tipp City, OH 45371 and again on Friday April 6th from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Funeral mass will commence immediately afterward, with interment at the St. John's Cemetery following the mass. Arrangements have been entrusted to FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City, OH 45371. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Maureen Demers Memorial Fund for the Needy, c/o The Dayton Foundation, Dayton, OH or the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fringsandbayliff.com