Samuel L. Gehris, Jr., born April 4, 1922, was the son of the late Samuel L Gehris and Mae Eisenhardt of Allentown, PA. He was the youngest sibling to his late brothers Richard and William.  He died peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by his family, he was 96.  He was married to Lorraine E. Paylor also of Allentown.  They celebrated their 72 ^nd wedding anniversary on September 7.

During World War II, Mr. Gehris served as a sergeant in the Army's 30 ^th Infantry Unit, 119 Regiment.  He fought on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France as part of the Allied invasion, on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Afterward, he fought in Northern France, the Ardennes, and Central Europe.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and ultimately met the Russians at the Rhine River as the Allied forces claimed victory. He was preparing to deploy to the Pacific Theater when the war ended.  For his courageous service during battle President Harry Truman awarded him the Bronze Star. He also received a Sharp Shooter, Good Conduct, and Infantry medal.

After the war, he married Lorraine in 1946 and in 1948 went to work at Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms. He worked first as a milk man and later was promoted to distribution manager.  He retired in 1987 after 39 dedicated years.

He had two children, whom he adored, a daughter Patricia Ann (Howard) and a son John Kevin. He had six grandchildren all who loved him dearly. His daughter and her late husband, Lawrence J. Howard, had four children, Michael, Patrick, Tara and Jamie.  His son and his wife Daria (McCloud) had two, Jay and Ellen.

At the time of his passing, he was proud great-grandfather of seven.  Michael and his wife Amy (McGahan), a daughter Ava and a son Gavin, Patrick and his wife Kristan (Donahue), three daughters Madelyn, Layne, and Charlotte, Tara and her husband Michael (Fordiani), a son Connor and a daughter Piper.

He was a founding member of the Church of the Manager, Bethlehem.  For years, he was an activate participant in the Church and its community activities. He held a strong conviction to his faith.

Sam was also a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, including his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He lauded the Phillies 1980 and 2008 World Championships and last year's Philadelphia Eagles first Super Bowl Championship.

Sam adored the company of his family and was at his best sitting at a kitchen table with a cup of coffee or glass of wine engaging in a healthy, friendly debate of the issues of the day. He had a great sense of humor; he was spirited, informed, and intelligent.

Up to his final days, he was a devoted husband.  To anyone who'd listen, he would praise his wife Lorraine as a great woman and tell you how lucky he was for having met and married her.  Every year on their wedding anniversary, they would share a moment on the dance floor, dancing the Anniversary Waltz. It was the picture of true love and an enduring example of devotion for friends and family.

Sam lived a long, full life. He was admired by all who knew him for his discipline, honesty and compassion.  He will be sorely missed by all.

Services will be private.  Arrangements, Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517, or online at woundedwarriorproject.org.