Decatur—Gary R. Eades, 88, of Decatur, IL., passed away peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Hickory Point Christian Village under hospice care.
Gary was born in Oakley, Illinois, on June 18, 1936, to Edna C. (Hiser) and George H. Eades. He is survived by his three children: Kim (Joe) Ritter, Midlothian, VA; Beth (Rick) Guarienti, White House, TN; Chris (Sonja) Eades, Decatur, IL.
Also surviving are five grandchildren: Megan (Chris) Balocca, Downers Grove, IL., Michael (Brooke) Guarienti, Greenbrier, TN., Courtney Ritter, Denver, CO., Caitlyn Ritter, Anchorage, AK., and Addison Eades, Decatur, IL., and two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Viviana.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; Sue, his wife of 63 years, who passed away suddenly last December; brother, Don, and sisters Beth, Velma, and Joyce.
Gary was an electrician and an active, proud member of the Decatur IBEW Local 146 for 67 years. In his younger years he enjoyed skeet shooting at the Decatur Gun Club. Gary was also a skilled billiards player, and he very much enjoyed beating his opponents, especially family members.
Most importantly, Gary was a devoted husband to Sue, and a dedicated, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the exceptional care given to Gary by his nurses and doctors at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Many thanks, as well, for the compassion and care provided by the staff and hospice nurses at Hickory Point Christian Village in Gary’s final days.
A graveside service will be held at Cerro Gordo Cemetary at a date yet to be determined. Memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the Forsyth United Methodist Church.