PRINCETON – Gerald Edward Spires, 88, of Princeton, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013, at LaSalle Veterans Home. 

He was born Sept. 21, 1924, in Ramsey, to Thomas and Elsie (Cliffton) Spires. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed in the Pacific theater and was a boatswain. He farmed near the Ashton and Franklin Grove area for most of his life. He married Gertie Moreland on Nov. 2, 1946, in Decatur. He was a member of Christ Community Church in Princeton. He was a former member and deacon of the Baptist church in Amboy, where he also was 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 three grandchildren, Heather (Jeff) Jasper, Ryan (Sarah) Spires, and Shane (Amy) Stark; five great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandsons; and one step-great-great-grandson. Also surviving is one sister, Pearl Tadys of Buffalo, N.Y.