Gerald Desmond Mikels

Gerald Desmond Mikels, age 83, of Asheboro died Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Clapps Convalescent Nursing Home, Asheboro. Mr. Mikels was born June 7, 1932 in Muskogee, OK the son of Desmond Otto and Maurine Claiborne Mikels who preceded him in death. Gerald was an overcomer. He suffered with polio as an infant but this did not hold him back from living a full life. He graduated from Muskogee Central High School, Class of 1951 and was active in the Masonic DeMolay as a teenager. He operated Gerald's Photo Service, in Muskogee, for many years before moving to Asheboro in 2003. He was formerly a member of Greystone Baptist Church, Asheboro where he served as Deacon and then was active in First Baptist Church, Asheboro. He always kept a positive attitude, enjoyed life and his many friends. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by: one sister and her husband: Maggie and Dwight Hooker of Asheboro, NC; niece and her husband: Karen and Chris Leonard and their children Justin, Sam and Kate of Fletcher, NC; nephew and his wife: Brian and Kristin Anderson and their sons Jason and Parker of Asheboro, NC; cousins: Kenneth (Marsha) Chapman of Ennis , TX; Bob (Peggy) Chapman of Atlanta, TX; Judith (Ernie) Christie of Waco, TX; Margaret Fitzgerald of Corpus Christi, TX. The family will receive friends Friday, October 23, 2015 from 1:00-1:45 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC. The funeral will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Richard Crider officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Memorial Gardens, Asheboro. Gerald and his family greatly appreciate the loving and excellent care provided him by Clapps Convalescent Nursing Home for nearly seven years. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 133 North Church Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.