Obituary of Gerald Melburn Grimes

Gerald Melburn Grimes, 78, of Carlinville, formerly of Washington state, passed away Thursday morning, November 10, 2016 at Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, IL. Gerald was born on June 30, 1938 to Melburn Cecile and Phyllis (Gardener) Grimes in Tacoma, WA. He served in the United States Marine Corps and married Mary Broyles on November 23, 2009 in Hoquiam, WA. Gerald was an over the road truck driver for over 50 years working for Lakeside Industries in Washington state, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Washington, Teamsters Union in Seattle, as well as the Pushrod Classic Car Club. Gerald enjoyed drag racing, Seattle Sea Hawks football and loved to spend time bird watching and woodworking. Gerald is survived by his wife, Mary of Carlinville; daughter, Julie (Alan) DeStefano-Solem of Tenino, WA; two sons, Scott (Trisha) Grimes of Aberdeen, WA and Gary Grimes of Hoquiam, WA; five step children, Josh (Bridgette) Hanneken of Owensboro, KY, Jessica Hanneken of Carlinville, IL, Jamie Gunning of Carlinville, IL, Juli Boubabk of Hoquiam, WA, several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Kimberly Hall of Omaha, NB, Gayle Reeves of Tumwater, WA amd Beverly Gibson of Vancouver, WA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Judy Grimes. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville, IL. No funeral services are planned at this time. Burial of cremated remains will follow in the state of Washington. Memorials are suggested to the Grimes family choice of charity. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.