Gerald Staley Obituary's Obituary
Gerald Staley, 89, of Centerville, was received into the arms of God the Father almighty on February 15, 2010. Gerald Cliff Staley was born January 17, 1921 to Cliff and Dena Staley of Centerville, Iowa, on their farm near the Mt. Ararat Church. As a boy, Gerald helped out at the Staley family sawmills, and he grew up farming with his father and uncles. On August 30, 1939 he married Juanita May Anderson in Unionville MO. Gerald and Juanita farmed east of Centerville until their retirement, and enjoyed spending winter months in Arizona and Florida. They spent many happy days in Apache Junction, where Gerald became a master of the shuffleboard tournaments and participated in many exciting desert motorcycle rides and hikes, including exploring the Grand Canyon twice and hiking Bright Angel Trail. He also greatly enjoyed traveling and fishing with his family. Gerald found comfort and beauty in the everyday occurrences of farm life, and treasured his family and friends. Gerald's faith in Jesus was always of importance and he had a great concern for the souls of others. A humble and quiet man by nature, his words of wisdom are treasured by those he leaves behind, and his sense of humor and play won't be forgotten, whether chuckling at a joke or sliding on the ice with his great-grandson when the fishing gave out. We will miss his honesty, integrity and steadfastness. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Janet, and beloved son Ronald. He is survived by his bride of 70 years, Juanita, his sister Ophelia (Jesse) Phelps of Mystic, Iowa, son Randall (Maggie) Staley of Essex, England, daughters Beverly (Jim) Moyer of Marco Island, FL, and Debra (John) Eurom of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter-in-law Sheri Staley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is also survived by his grandchildren Rhondi (Dale) Ewing of Thousand Oaks, CA, Traci (Robert) Jarvis of Marion, IA; Tami (Steve) Ketchum of Cedar Rapids, IA; Darci (Bill) Hood of Reasnor, IA, Jonathan Staley and Ellie Staley of London, England; David (Amy) Dudley of Naples, FL, Beth (Steve) Moore of Norwalk, IA; Joshua Eurom of Lynwood, WA and Philip Eurom of Centerville. Gerald also has fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Hargrave officiating. Visitation will be all day Friday with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home. Interment will be in Mt. Ararat Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Camp Appanoose which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home -- 23548 Hwy 5 -- PO Box 125 -- Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomasfh.com. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gerald Staley Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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