Geer, David L.

David L. Geer

Early Life

David Lloyd Geer was born on May 16, 1895, in Portland, Connecticut, the son of David Henry Geer and Bertha L. Kelsey. Both parents were young at the time of his birth, and he grew up alongside a brother and a sister in a close-knit family environment. As a child, he moved with his family to Rye, New York, where he spent his formative years during a period when the town was transitioning from a quiet coastal village into a more developed suburban community. This era of growth and change shaped the character of Rye, and Geer came of age within a community increasingly defined by its connections to nearby urban centers.

By early adulthood, Geer had learned the trade of carpentry, a skilled profession that placed him within the working fabric of the region’s expanding residential and commercial development. His work contributed to the physical growth of the area, reflecting both his personal industriousness and the broader transition of Rye in the early 20th century.

World War I Service

Geer was inducted into the United States Army on June 24, 1918, in Westchester County, New York, and entered service during the final year of America’s involvement in the war. He was assigned to the 152nd Depot Brigade, a training and processing unit responsible for organizing, equipping, and preparing soldiers for deployment as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. Depot brigades played a critical role in the rapid mobilization of the American Army, ensuring that new recruits were trained and ready for overseas service.

Geer remained stateside throughout his military service and did not serve overseas. During his time in the Army, he advanced in rank from Corporal to Sergeant, reflecting both his competence and leadership within the training environment. His service record indicates that he suffered no wounds in action, and he was honorably discharged on May 28, 1919, following the conclusion of hostilities and the demobilization of American forces.

Life After Service

After returning to civilian life, Geer resumed his work as a carpenter, continuing in the trade that had defined his early career. He remained closely connected to the Rye community, contributing not only through his profession but also through active civic involvement. He was a member of the Rye Fire Department, where he participated in local public service, and he was also affiliated with American Legion Post 93, maintaining ties with fellow veterans and supporting their shared interests and commemorations.

David Lloyd Geer died on November 30, 1939, at United Hospital. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Ann Jouret Geer; his mother, Bertha L. Kelsey Geer; his brother, Howard S. Geer; and his sister.