Zane Geier

Our loving husband and father Zane Geier, 96, of Toney, Alabama peacefully passed away on 27 SEP 2022, surrounded by his loved ones, after a yearlong struggle with Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).  He was predeceased by Otis Marvin Geier (father), Odie Levonia Geier (mother), Gerald Otis Geier (his younger brother), and two children, Lex Zane Geier and Violet Lynn Geier.

Zane is well known for his love of genealogy, extensive travels, knowledge of worldwide history and participating in re-enactments of historical events.  Zane was born May 10th, 1926 and raised on his grandfather Noah Medders’ farm in Anniston, Alabama.  At age 18, Zane enlisted in the Navy and served as a Radarman aboard a destroyer named the U.S.S. Cross in the North Atlantic and Pacific. He was also a gun trainer charged with the lateral movement of a Quad 40 gun mounted on the starboard side, forward ship.  His war stories featuring Kamikaze engagements and typhoons in Okinawa are truly amazing.

Zane was a very hard worker and lifelong learner.  He recognized the significant role that education plays in the types of opportunities presented throughout one's life.  With the assistance of the GI bill, he achieved an accounting degree in 1949 from the University of Alabama in three years with academic honors.  He went on to obtain a Program for Management Development Degree from Harvard University in 1963. Over the years, Zane amassed an extensive library of books covering a wide variety of topics.  He also authored / published several books to include his memoir in 2012, “Zane Geier, His Life & Times”.

Zane was a worldwide traveler of over 40 foreign countries while employed as an auditor with the U.S. General Accounting Office. The pictures and stories of his experiences have captivated friends and family members fortunate enough to experience Zane’s fabulous story telling skills. Zane’s favorite place to visit is “Xanadu", a cabin that he built with the assistance of his family in the middle of the Talladega National Forest. The cabin and land have become a beacon for multiple generations of family and friends to rest, reconnect, and enjoy fellowship in the beauty of nature.

Most important to Zane was his faith in God. He studied the Bible and Koran extensively and enjoyed supporting his church family throughout the years at Hazel Green United Methodist Church. His love of Christ and humility for the blessings received was and continues to be an inspiration to those around him.

As a lifelong learner of Christianity, he stated that the greatest thing he learned in life was to love and be loved in return. Spending time with the ones he loved was extremely important to him.  Zane is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Geier, daughter Ann Hutson, son in law-Stephen Hutson, and two grandchildren Sophie Hutson and Andrew Hutson.  He will also be greatly missed by his extended family to include many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all of those who visited, cared for, provided food, or simply provided support and prayers during his final weeks. The hole left by his absence will be impossible to fill. We will deeply miss this Geier family patriarch.

Visitation will be held at Hazel Green Funeral Home on Saturday October 15th at 1PM with a 2PM Celebration of Life. A military grave side ceremony will follow directly afterwards at Maple Hill Cemetery.