Gerald "Poppy" Elmond Rivers

Services for Gerald E. Rivers, 77, owner of The Daisy Flower Shop in Copperas Cove, will be Thursday, 3:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove and followed by interment at Pidcoke Cemetery. Mr. Rivers passed from this life on July 19th, 2014 at his residence in Pidcoke. He was born on January 30, 1937 in Baytown, TX.

Longtime Covite and businessman CWO3 Retired Gerald E. (Jerry) “Poppy” Rivers passed away July 19th. He was born on January 30, 1937. He grew up in the small town of Many, Louisiana, and graduated from Many High School in 1954.

He worked at his father’s dry cleaning business while in high school until he answered the call to serve his country and joined the Army Reserve at the young age of 16. He married the love of his life, Penney Vickers on January 27, 1957 and soon joined the Army. His service in the military included serving in Korea, France, Germany and three tours to Vietnam before retiring in 1977. His duty stations included Camp Chaffee, AR, Fort Huachuca, AZ, Fort Polk, LA, Fort Jackson, SC, and Fort Hood. He loved his country and was very proud to serve in the Army and Reserves. His medals and accommodations include:

Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Republic of Vietnam.

After retirement, he purchased Skateworld in the 70’s and then purchased The Daisy Flower Shop in 1979 where he enjoyed working beside his family for the past 35 years. He took great pride in delivering flowers in his orange 1952 Chevy delivery sedan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Penney C. Rivers and four children, Richard Rivers of Pidcoke, Becky (Karl) Stirnkorb of Pidcoke, Charlie (Lynn) Rivers of Peoria, AZ and Jeri (CJ) Kreier of Orange Park, FL brothers Jack Rivers of Pleasant Hill, LA and Albert (Buster) Rivers of New Iberia, LA and sister Marilyn Giest of Houma, LA. 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren also survive him. He is proceeded in death by his parents, George Washington and Sallie Mae (Holder) Rivers, sister, Alene Wright, daughter, Sally Schoening and granddaughter, Michelle Stirnkorb and his best friend, Ken Bernhard. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his children, genealogy, teaching grandchildren to drive, selling arts and crafts at festivals around the country, attending coin and gun shows. He took great joy in serving as a greeter at Holy Family Catholic Church. He was a member of VFW and American Legion. He is a proud member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb, LA. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, warm handshake and joy he brought to people while delivering flowers.

Rosary will be 5 pm on Wednesday at Crawford Bowers of Copperas Cove and visitation following from 6 to 8 pm.

Donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Love Follows Knowledge Capitol Campaign, 1001 Georgetown Road, Copperas Cove, TX 76522