Gerald E. McMath of Shade Gap, entered into rest March 10, 2026, in the home in which he was born in Tell Township and where he resided all 85 years of his life.  He and his surviving wife, Darlene M. (Daughenbaugh) McMath, shared 65 years of marriage on their beloved Valley Dairy farm.

Born December 27, 1940, he was a son of the late Samuel J. and Camillus (Werner) McMath and was raised by Bernard and Bernice (Werner) McMath.  Gerald  graduated from Orbisonia High School in 1959.  After graduation he began dairy farming with his uncle for a number of years later purchasing the farm and milking until selling the cows in 2005 and continuing in crop farming.  He was honored to be the first farmer in Huntingdon County to produce 30 thousand pounds of milk a year from his prize cow, Hilda.

Gerry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Orbisonia, and practiced his faith daily.  He served on the board of directors of the Juniata Valley Bank in Blairs Mills.  He was also a board member of the ASCS, Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Committee.  Additional activities included the Huntingdon County Holstein Club and Young Farmers of America. In his retirement, he began making iron crafts and became known as the "Heart Man."  During his life in addition to being a dedicated farmer, he enjoyed hunting deer but the "dears" of his heart were his loving family.

Surviving with his wife, Darlene, are his children, Renee Sue McMath of Newton Hamilton, Jackie Horst (Charles), Chambersburg, Tracey McMath Page, Port Royal, Bernard McMath (Connie), Orbisonia and Gerald W. McMath, Orbisonia, 7 grandchildren, Lindsey, Bradley, Blake, Kyle, Taylor, Garrett and Cortney and 13 great grandchildren, Easton, Emerson, Bentley, Brooklyn, Bauer, Charlie, Sawyer, Lilybelle, Lincoln, Hudson, Liam, Lorelai and Knox. Additional survivors include his brothers, Frank, of Bellefonte and John of Orbisonia and his sisters, Elizabeth McClure, Kathy Donaldson (Woody) and Martha Cullen (Sonny) all of Lewistown.  He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Samuel and E. James and a sister, Mary Margaret Yohn and his son-in-law, William Page.

A Celebration of Gerry's Life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 20896 Croghan Pike, Orbisonia, PA 17243, on May 16, 2026, at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon in the Church Social Hall .  If you plan to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Jackie, at 717 860 4112.  Donations in his memory may be made to the church at the address above.       www.agettlakjer.com