LONGVIEW (KYTX) -- Funeral services will be held this weekend for Gerard Cace, the beloved Longview restaurant owner whose sudden death yesterday shocked his family and the community. CBS 19's Abby Broyles is live at the iconic restaurant on Highway 80 in Longview tonight.
Johnny Cace's is back open for business today. People are enjoying dinner tonight with their families inside. This was Gerard Cace's home away from home, a staple in Longview. Today people across the city are remembering his life.
A community mourns the loss of a local leader, Gerard Cace, after his unexpected death Wednesday.
Johnny Cace's reopened Thursday where longtime customers came for lunch and to remember a friend.
Bob and Dorothy Metzler have been coming here for 30 years.
"We were not sure what it would be like coming in today, it was really hard to do that, but we're glad we did," Bob Metzler says, "you knew when you walked through the door you were going to see someone who was glad to see you."
"Still can't believe it, he was just such a presence here that he's just going to be missed incredibly," Dorothy Metzler said.
Anyone who knew Gerard knows how much he loved Longview. A Rotarian and Knight of Columbus, Gerard was always giving back to his community. For 34 years, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt called him a friend.
"It's one of those losses that every community will suffer - someone that's made a big difference in your community to make it a better place," Judge Stoudt said.
Gerard and his wife, Cathy, just celebrated their 30th anniversary.
They took over johnny Cace's restaurant in 1980, where customers say Gerard was always there to greet them at the door.
Gerard's father, Johnny Cace, started the business 62 years ago.
Now, Gerard Cace's legacy will live on through his family, and his impact will be long-felt in Longview.
"Live every day to the fullest because you never know when you're gonna be called upon, and Gerard was called upon," Judge Stoudt says, "We'll miss him, but he left a great legacy."
We spoke with the Cace family at the restaurant last night. Gerard was coming back from family fishing trip in Louisiana when he died from a heart attack around noon.
The Cace family has made funeral arrangements. Services will be held this Saturday at 2:30pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where the Caces have been active members for years.
A rosary service will be Friday night at 6:30 at St. Mary's as well.
Gerard and Cathy have two daughters, Jennifer and Chelsea.
