UTICA - George Conrad Erb, age 80, of Gibson Court, formerly of Herkimer died on Thursday evening, September 27, 2007 in St. Lukes Hospital. He was born on July 29, 1927 in Mayfield, the son of the late Charles F. and Millicent Reynolds Erb. On December 21, 1951, he married Gertrude (Trudy) J. Kowollik in Bad Nauheim Germany. They shared a loving union of 48 years until her passing on August 8, 2000. On May 17, 2003 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Parsons Grates in Seneca Falls. He was a graduate of Richfield Springs Central School and in 1976 he received an AA degree in Business Administration. Mr. Erb had accomplished much for the US Army over a period spanning 42 years of distinguished service to the nation, first with the military for 26 years and then as a civilian with the US Army. Mr. Erb enlisted in 1946 and was honorably discharged in September 1973 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. In September 1976, after receiving his degree, he began a career as a Federal Civilian Employee, retiring in 1993. Some of his many accomplishments included; serving with the Readiness Region 1, Fort Devens, MA, from 1976 until 1979, as a member of the Maintenance Assistance and Instruction Team. During his career he had established a reputation as a Maintenance and Supply expert, receiving General Officer recognition for his work with the National Guard and Reserve Forces of NY state. His military career and work for the United States government expanded throughout the continental states and many countries throughout the world. Upon his retirement he received the prestigious Meritorious Civilian Service Award for exemplary achievements during his 42 years of military and civilian service. He was a life member of the National Defense Industrial Assoc., a member of the National AARP and past president of the Herkimer Chapter of AARP 1410. George was a man who was gifted in many ways. Through his ability to study the cultural society of his travels, he made many friends throughout the world. In his leisure time he enjoyed his garden of plants and flowers. To the amazement of all who knew him, his garden flourished with exotic cactus species unknown to this climate. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and plants with neighbors and friends. He will be greatly missed. Surviving besides his wife Mary Jane, are this five children, Herbert G. Erb of Detroit, MI, Martin O. Erb and his wife Theresa of TN, Berhnard J. Erb and his wife Laura of Pittsburgh, PA, Ulrike J. P. Hendrickson of Xenia, OH, Rosemary S. Erb of, ME, three step children Joseph Grates and his wife Ami of Kissimmee, FL, William Grates and his wife Laura of Bellevue, NB and Terry Day and her husband John of Arlington, TX, eight grandchildren, one, great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral service with military honors will be on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Pastor Peter Forrester of the Life in Christ Family Church, Clinton will officiate. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (two hours prior to the funeral service) Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.