Gerald Richard Pemberton June 29, 1938 - May 12, 2019

Gerald Richard Pemberton, age 80, of Shelbina, Missouri, formerly Pacific, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at the Blessing Hospital, in Quincy, Illinois.

Gerald was born on June 29, 1938, the son of Logan Ross and Gladys (Keeth) Pemberton. He was united in marriage to Elva Pearl Thomas on September 26, 1957 in Hernado, Mississippi.

Gerald grew up on a family farm and served as President of his FFA chapter at Eureka High School. He proudly joined the United States Army following his graduation and was stationed overseas in Germany. He met the love of his life, Pearl, on a blind date set up by their best friends. During their 61 years together, they enjoyed traveling and attending many family events. Gerald followed in the footsteps of his father, and spent his career as a heavy equipment mechanic, working on road construction equipment and building asphalt plants. He loved to fish and spent many happy hours fishing with beloved family and friends. The center of his life was his family and his church. He was a life-long member of Allenton Heights Baptist Church and joined the First Baptist Church of Shelbyville when he moved to Shelby County. He shared his love for the Lord with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and everyone he met. Gerald also loved his family dearly, and his greatest joy was spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Elva Pearl Pemberton; three children, Cathy Eagan and husband Glenn of Shelbyville, Missouri, Rick Pemberton and wife Judy of Mandeville, Louisiana, and Chris Dimmitt and husband Joe of Shelbina, Missouri; five grandchildren, Jeremy Eagan and wife Jenni, Courtney Benson and husband Aaron, Ryan Dimmitt, Paige Dimmitt, and Taylor Pemberton; four step-grandchildren, Dan Karins and wife Maria, Julie Melancon and husband Wes, Brad Lerille and wife Bethany, and Christie Woodruff; five great grandchildren, Kyndal, Marlee, and Asher Benson, and Caleb and James Eagan; nine step-great grandchildren, Grace Karins, Ava Melancon, Ella, Mason, and Wyatt Karins, Peyton, Cole and Ellie Lerille, and Henry L. Louis III; one sister, Clarice Gerling and husband Jerry of Pacific, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Alice Jackson and Sandy Pemberton; and one brother-in-law, Glenn Baum.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and one sister.

Gerald Pemberton lived his life based on the word of God. May this scripture from Psalm 134:5 guide us as we remember him, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”

A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2019 from 5 pm to 7pm at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Missouri. A prayer service will follow at 7 pm at the funeral home. A second visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Bell Funeral Home in Pacific, Missouri. The funeral service will be held Friday, at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Pacific, Missouri following the service. Memorials may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors of Shelby County, Missouri.