Gerald McElrath

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

He was born Feb. 23, 1926, in Irondale, Missouri.

He received his master's degree from Vanderbilt University and went on to receive his specialist in education degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He served in the U.S. 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.

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

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

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

Family visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with public visitation at 10 a.m.

Service will begin at 11 a.m., with the 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.