Philip Lee Gerster

Philip Lee Gerster, the Old Pro, passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 93. Born October 9, 1932, to Leo and Leota Gerster (née Baylor) and grew up on a rural farm near Napoleon, Indiana. He owned a pony and a horse and baled hay for 5 dollars a day, and when the ice storms came, he was known to skate down the ice-covered roads into town. He was very athletic, playing basketball and baseball in high school. He met the love of his life, Norita, at the Jive Kennel in Columbus, Indiana, where they first dueled at ping pong. Phil, being a bit older, did a year of college and joined the Air Force while he waited for Norita to graduate. They got married on September 12, 1953.

Phil and Norita were soon greeted by their first child, Toni. Bruce joined the family just two years later followed by Randy in another four. As a military family, they moved frequently, from New York, to Indiana, to Florida, to Montana, to the Philippines, to Hawaii, to Colorado, where Phil and his family ultimately remained and remain still. Phil only spent two deployments away from his family, one in Alaska, and the other during his tour in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star for his service. During his 26 years in the Air Force, Phil found a love for golf, winning the Armed Services trophy, presented to him by one Dwight D. Eisenhower. After his retirement from the Air Force, Phil continued to pursue golf, achieving his PGA membership and even played in a senior tour event in the early 80s, where he made the cut. He continued this pursuit as head pro of Eisenhower Golf Course at the Air Force Academy for some time, before retiring from there and assuming the mantle of the “Old Pro.” He played golf almost every weekday with his wife, his friends (Hal, Emmanuel, and Art), or grandson, and was a lifetime member of the PGA.

Norita preceded Phil on December 5, 2011. His legacy is continued by his three children, his seven grandchildren, and his twenty plus great grandchildren and growing contingent of great-great grandchildren. He is best characterized by his deep love for his family, his commitment and his generous kindness. He was magnanimous and charming; he loved his country and was proud of his service. One of his favorite things was eating dinner with his family. His life will be honored at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, with full military honors, on Friday, October 23rd at 11:00.