Services for Gerald Ross Bright, 84, who died Thursday, November 19, 2009, will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2009 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

Gerald Ross Bright was born on February, 2, 1925 in Calvert, Kansas, the son of Vern Ross Bright and Ola Jane Bright. Gerald attended High School in Norton, Kansas. After graduation, Gerald left for Glendale, California to attend the Curtis Wright Tech Craft School to learn air craft engine mechanic trade. On August 4, 1943 he was drafted into the United States Navy where he served as a flight engineer and aerial gunner on P B M patrol planes mostly in the Panama Canal. He was discharged on April 15, 1946. He returned to Kansas in 1947 where he met Phyllis Bright. Their first date was on Valentine's Day of the same year. Gerald and Phyllis were united in marriage on August, 1947. To this union there was born three sons and three daughters; Ron, Barbara, Paul, Jim, Sherry and Nancy. They lived in rural Indianola before moving into Indianola in 1967. Gerald served as a conductor for the Rock Island Railroad until 1980. Upon his retirement he and his wife loved to travel and spend time with his church family. Along with his children, he is survived by 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, his two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, November 22 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present to greet friends. Memorials may be given in his name to the American Heart Association.