BSA Troop 439 - Washington, Missouri

06/14/2026

Safely arrived in Wisconsin. Just a few short hours left on the road. Be ready LE Phillips Scout Reservation!

06/14/2026

Good times in the van. Only 300+miles to go.

06/14/2026

Times like this remind me that perhaps it’s time for me to go on a diet. But we are on the road. - ASM Pinter

06/13/2026

Our scouts and scout leaders leave for Summer Camp in the morning to attend out of council camp at LE Phillips Scout Reservation. Please pray for our scouts and scout leaders safety this week.

06/12/2026

'Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character & goodness.' - Anne Frank

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

Two scouts from Troop 439 and one from Pack 439 participated in Archaeology Day through SIUE. SIUE only had 20 spots available and they went quick. The scouts had fun learning about Mississippian culture and even found some pottery during the dig!

05/24/2026

Troops 444, 439, and 443G participating in the Memorial Day Good Turn

02/24/2026

Mr. Gerner was an Eagle Scout from Troop 439. Rest in peace Sir. May God bless you and your family.

James D. Gerner

August 4, 1957 - February 18, 2026

James (Jim) D. Gerner, 68, of Union, formerly of Washington, passed away on February 18, 2026. James, son of Virgil Gerner and the late Lenore Jane (née Grus), was born on August 4, 1957, in Washington. He received his education at Washington High School. He then attended East Central College in Union, where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. He continued his education at the University of Missouri–Rolla, where he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In his professional career, James worked as a civilian for the Department of Defense under the U.S. Army Aviation Systems Command (AVSCOM) in St. Louis, Missouri. He later transferred to the ATCOM division in Huntsville, Alabama, where he retired.

In his youth, James was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 439, in Washington, Missouri, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Before beginning his professional career, he worked for the Washington Sand Company and, like his father, developed a fondness for Missouri streams and rivers. He was an avid boater, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He was an honorary member of the Washington Boat Club and particularly enjoyed trout fishing and hiking in Missouri state parks.

He was an active supporter of the Shaw Nature Reserve and the Missouri Botanical Garden. He was a member of the Zero Beaters Amateur Radio Club and achieved the highest operating class of Extra under the call sign WBØLIM. He was also an accredited Volunteer Examiner for the American Radio Relay League. In retirement, he volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity and the local food pantry at St. Francis Borgia.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Gerner.

Among his survivors are his father, Virgil Gerner of Washington; three siblings: Dave Gerner and his wife, Tracy, of Leslie; Gary Gerner and his significant other, Denise Schneider, of Washington; and Gregg Gerner and his wife, Annette, of Union; as well as other relatives and friends.

A private family service will be held, with a Memorial Mass to take place at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

02/16/2026

“What All Young Men Should Know”

"Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in the most. That people are basically good. That honor, courage and virtues mean everything. That power and money, money and power mean nothing; that Good always triumphs over Evil; and I want you to remember this: That Love, true Love never dies. Doesn't matter if any of this is true or not. You see a man should believe in these things because these are the things worth believing in." - Robert Duvall ‘Secondhand Lions’