Gerald Wilbur McElrath

Our beloved Baba.....Gerald Wilbur McElrath, met Jesus on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019 at 11:39 p.m.  He passed away in his home, surrounded by family.  

He was born on Feb. 23, 1926, in Irondale, Missouri, and received his Master’s Degree from Vanderbilt University.  He went on to receive his Specialist in Education degree from the University of Missouri Columbia.  He served in the United States Navy for two years.

“Baba” was a dedicated educator and served as superintendent of schools for many years before owning his own real estate company, McElrath Realty.  He resided in Jackson.

Survivors include his wife, Iris; brother Stanley McElrath; his son, Jerry Jr. (Dreda); his daughter, Dianne Icaza (Ramiro); his grandchildren, Jennifer Icaza-Gast, Patrick Icaza, Chrissie Kaplan, Leigh Anne Reyes, Kelly McElrath, Cory McElrath, and Carrie McElrath; his great-grandchildren, Austin, Caleb, Laurel, Olivia, Alex, Alyssa, Preston, Michael, Alayna, Lillian, Rosalie, Eleanor, Conor, Brendan, and Reilly.

His two greatest loves are the Lord and his wife.  Gerald and Iris Swank were married on Sept. 12, 1946.  Next month would have been their 72nd anniversary.

Services will be Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 at First Church of the Nazarene in Cape Girardeau located at 2601 Independence St.  

Family visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday with public visitation at 10:00 a.m.  Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Revs. Jason Hill and Bill Burke officiating.  Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Student Santas, P.O.  Box 641, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

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