Lt. Col Edward A Geilear
Lt. Col Edward A. Geilear, US Army (retired) of Versailles, Age 91, died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Deanna Zdaniewiz Geilear.
Colonel Geilear began his military career in 1951 when joining the Massachusetts National Guard. He was selected for Officer Candidate School, graduated as a 2nd Lt in the Field Artillery and went on active duty. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Field Artillery Advance Course. In addition to assignments in the United States, he served overseas tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. During Vietnam he served as Commanding Officer of Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery and as Artillery Liaison Officer to the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry.
While serving in Vietnam, he earned the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with 4 additional Oak Leaf clusters, one of which was the “V” device for heroism, the Vietnam Service Medal (2 campaign stars) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. His unit was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and the Vietnamese Civic Action Honors Medal. Colonel Geilear’s other decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Army Commendation Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
Colonel Geilear came to Versailles, Kentucky in 1972 when he was assigned as the Army Advisor to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, KY National Guard, Lexington, KY. Subsequently he was assigned to the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, Ft. Campbell, KY.
After 30+ years of military service to his country, he retired from active duty in 1984. Following retirement, he began his Civil Service career at the Bluegrass Army Depot until retiring in 1998.
Colonel Geilear is survived by his two sons, Robert (Julie), Jonathan (Casey), 7 Grandchildren; Katelyn, Brittany, Justin, Kennedy, Madison, Jackson, Carter, and 1 Great-Grandchild; Milo.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Versailles, Kentucky. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Rose Crest Cemetery.
Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of condolence and share memories here on Colonel Geiler’s tribute wall.