Gerkens, Paul E., 103, of Linwood, NJ, passed away on December 2, 2016. Born in Camden, NJ, he was formerly of Maple Shade, NJ, before moving to Linwood in 1954. Paul was the beloved husband of Doris M. Gerkens with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1942. He was the son of Frank and Minnie Gerkens, the founders and owners of the Maple Shade Progress. Paul worked in the newspaper business most of his life, until retiring from the Ocean City Sentinel Ledger in 1978. He served as a Tech Sergeant in the Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as being a Railroad Transportation Officer in France and Belgium. He was very proud of the medals he earned. Paul was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church and was a member of the church choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice, and was invited to join the Men’s Chorus of Ocean City, and to sing at many weddings. Paul enjoyed fishing, bowling, and traveling, visiting Europe, China, Hawaii and the Canadian Rockies, among many American states. He and his wife loved to go camping in their Terry trailer and take cruises. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and easily made friends, both young and old. When asked the secret to his great longevity, he always answered, “A happy outlook on life.” Paul is survived by his daughter, Barbara Hendrix of Marmora; his daughter Deborah Schafer and her husband Gary of Egg Harbor Township; and his two grandsons, Paul and Tom, also of Egg Harbor Township. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road in Northfield from 10 to 11am with a service beginning at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Atlantic County Veteran’s Cemetery in Estell Manor. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Grace Lutheran Church, 11 E. Dawes Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Arrangements by and condolences at www.adams-perfect.com.