Gerald Spires

Gerald Edward Spires
1924-2013

Funeral service for Gerald Edward Spires, age 88 of Princeton, will be Friday, Mar 22, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the Christ Community Church. Brian Strom and Rev. Frank Brozenec will officiate. Burial will follow in the Elm Lawn Memorial Park on Mar 22, 2013. Military Rites will be performed by American Legion Post #125. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Mar 21, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Norberg Memorial Home.

Mr. Spires passed away on Sunday, Mar 17, 2013 at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Lasalle. He was born on Sep 21, 1924 in Ramsey, Illinois to Thomas and Elsie (Cliffton) Spires. He served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater and was a Boatswain. He farmed near the Ashton/Franklin Grove area for most of his life. He married Gertie Moreland on Nov 02, 1946 in Decatur, Illinois. She survives. He was a member of Christ Community Church. He was a former member and deacon of the Baptist Church in Amboy, where he was also secretary/treasurer of the Sunday school program. Gerald also sang in the Spires Family Quartet.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gertie Spires of Princeton. Also surviving is one son Gerald (Tana) Spires Jr. of Rochelle. Surviving as well are 3 grandchildren; Heather (Jeff) Jasper, Ryan (Sarah) Spires, and Shane (Amy) Stark, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandsons and 1 step-great-great-grandson. Also surviving is one sister Pearl Tadys of Buffalo, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Carolyn Diane Stark in 2008, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Community Church or the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle.