GERALD “GERRY” EAVES JR.
GERALD “GERRY” EAVES JR.
Gerald “Gerry” Eaves Jr., 86, of Fort Madison, Iowa and formerly of Revere, passed away at 12:10 am on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at The Madison Nursing Care Center in Fort Madison, Iowa.
He was born on February 27, 1936, in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of the late Roy G. & Florence Lucibelle (Peeler) Eaves. At a young age, Gerry enlisted into the United States Navy. He served for over 10 years on multiple ships, primarily onboard as a cook. Some of the ships that he sailed on included the U.S.S. Kemper, the U.S.S. Rowan and the U.S.S. Barrett. He married Nancy Hill and she preceded him in death on June 14, 2018.
After Gerry’s time in the Navy, he began working for J.I. Case in Burlington, Iowa until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Memphis VFW Post #4958 Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post. Gerry was also a member of the American Legion Post #219. He belonged to the First Baptist Church of Memphis for many years. Some of Gerry’s hobbies included; boxing, fishing and hunting. He loved to visit and spend time with family and friends.
Gerry is survived by a son; Kelly (Audra) Eaves of Fort Madison, Iowa, three daughters; Sherry Martin of Montrose, Iowa, Sheila (Michael) Smith of Revere and Dianna Eaves of Des Moines, Iowa, thirteen grandchildren; Michael (Sara) Smith, Athena (Brandon) Duncan, Ben (Bambi) Smith, J.R. (Nora) Smith, Joe (Christy) Martin, Jennifer (Travis) Knox, Tyler (Michelle) Martin, Lora (Ed) Conley, Colton Eaves, Kristyn Eaves, Katie (John) Ceirs, Tom (Sabrina) Clark and Bill Clark, several great grandchildren, two brothers; Guy Eaves of Fountain Green, Illinois and Richard Eaves of Fort Madison, Iowa, a sister; Imogene Hodges and by several nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Gerry was preceded in death by six brothers; Mike, Vernon, Lester, Pat, Jack and Billy Eaves, four sisters; Linda Nuendorff, Betty Scott, Ruby Pickard and Helen Bowlyou and by a great granddaughter; Lexie Smith.
Graveside services honoring Gerry’s life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Harris Cemetery in Dallas City, Illinois. Pastor Shawn McAfee will officiate. Visitation will be conducted from 10:00 am until noon on Saturday at the Peaksville Christian Church. The Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home in Kahoka has been entrusted with the care and arrangements. Memorial contributions in memory of Gerry are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. You are invited to share your memories of Gerry and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Navy, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that comrade-in-arms Gerald Eaves served our country for nine years, eight months, and ten days in the United States Navy.
He served as a Culinary Specialist (cook), attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4). The last ship he served on was the U. S. S. Kemper County (LST-854), a Tank Landing Ship. He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations:
Navy Good Conduct Medal
2 Bronze Service Stars
Army Good Conduct Medal
China Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
He first enlisted in 1954, and reenlisted 1 July 1958 in Guam, Marianas Island. He received an honorable discharge 2 April 1964 and returned to Dallas City, Hancock County, Illinois.
He was a 32-year life member of the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post 4958, Memphis, Missouri.
The ship has been darkened, and the bell mournfully tolls for our
shipmate, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 10 January 2023. During his final assignment we wish him fair winds and following seas.
Semper Fortis Petty Officer Eaves.
