COLUMBIA - Mr. Gerald F. Hyer (Jerry), age 74, of the Town of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at his home, surrounded by the comfort of his family at his bedside. Born in Smithville, NY, on February 3, 1940, Gerald was the son of the late Glenn and Alta (Miller) Hyer. He was a graduate of Mohawk High School with the class of 1958 and it was shortly thereafter that he enlisted in the United States Navy. On July 7, 1962, Jerry was married to his childhood friend and sweetheart, Esther Brewer, and together they shared 52 years of wonderful partnership. The couple worked hard as one in order to raise their family and build a loving home. A man that truly exemplified the meaning of hard work, Jerry spent 43 years with Remington Arms holding various positions before his retirement. However, his day did not end upon leaving the factory. Along with his wife he owned and operated his farm, where for over 50 years he raised beef cattle, spending his afternoons passionately working the fields and his land. He taught his children these same values of a day's labor and each of them worked alongside their father as they grew up. Jerry was fond of the idea that a family that worked together must also play together. He spent his free time outdoors, enjoying campfires, playing ball, and attending his children's sporting events. A jack of all trades, he could be found tinkering around his home, always able to fix things in a creative and resourceful way. He was always heavily involved in the lives of his children. Nothing made Gerald happier than Sundays spent home with his family. He would make pancakes for morning breakfast as he joyfully played his Polka music. Afterwards, he could be found in front of the television, avidly rooting for his beloved New York Giants or any number of the Syracuse Orange sports teams. Jerry was a member of the Jesus Never Fails Community Church, formerly North Columbia Church, in Ilion. His church family was an important part of his life. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Esther; his sons and daughter-in-law, Harold Hyer of Ilion, Howard and Mary Hyer of South Bethlehem, NY, and Herbert Hyer of Ilion; his twin daughters and sons-in-law, Ellen and Wade Abbott of Rotterdam, and Ruth and Hans Drews of St. Johnsville; his ten cherished grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Phyllis Hyer of Indiana; his in-laws, Hazel and David Partington of Ohio, and Ann and George Riley of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4PM - 6PM on Friday, August 22, 2014, from the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's newly reopened location at 102 West Street, Ilion. Jerry's funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 at Jesus Never Fails Community Church, 1161 Elizabethtown Road, Ilion, NY with Reverend Hans Drews, Pastor, officiating. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family at North Columbia Cemetery. The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, as well as the staff of Valley Health Services and those with Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness and compassion shown to them and to Gerald throughout his illness. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Gerald, or add to his online memorial, may visit www.applegateandday.com In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions to the Jesus Never Fails Community Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Hyer family has entrusted all service arrangements to their family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, and Funeral Director, Martin Ciaccia.