Thomas "Tom" Godfrey Gerk's Obituary
Decatur – Thomas “Tom” Godfrey Gerk, 80, of Decatur, passed peacefully in his sleep from complications of Dementia Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 7:20 pm. He has now rejoined his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara.
Tom was born August 13, 1938, in Decatur, the son of Ernie and Mary (Spoon) Gerk. Tom graduated from Lakeview High School in 1958 then joined the Marine Corp. serving in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, (Reinf) at FMF Camp Pendleton, CA, where he repelled from helicopters to prepare battle zones. He met and married Barbara Jean Pitts on July 30, 1960 in Los Angeles, CA, while serving in the Marines.
Tom retired from ADM with 31 years of service. He was a proud member of the Local 103 Grain Millers Union and member of 2nd Church of God in Decatur, IL, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Elder. Tom loved fishing lake Decatur, growing tomatoes in his garden, the Illini (win or lose) and his St. Louis Cardinals, a love he shared with his family. He was always excited for a Cards Cubs game.
Tom and Barb raised 3 children: Debra Ellegood and husband Dave, Thomas Gerk and wife Ronda, and Robert Gerk and wife Lisa. He loved his grandchildren: Chad Ellegood, Thomas R. Gerk, Danell Kreps Buckallew, Ashlee Brannam, Alexa Gerk and Robert Thomas Gerk; great grandsons: Phin Ellegood and Nolan Thomas Gerk. Tom is also survived by his sister Anna Gerk Blackwell; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Our dad was a loving husband, caring father. He was proud of his family legacy. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Eastview Terrace in Sullivan, IL. They truly are all compassionate and loving people.
Mom, he’s all yours again!!
Visitation will be Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 1 pm until the service time of 3 pm at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial will with military rites will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Macon County Honor Guard.
Arrangements by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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