- Date Of Birth: February 23, 1935
- Date Of Death: December 24, 2020
- State: Illinois
Gerald Roy Armstrong, 85, of Irvington, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Belleville Memorial Hospital of natural causes.
Gerald was born February 23, 1935 in Irvington, the son of Roy Lester Armstrong and Opal (Baldridge) Armstrong. He married Patricia Badgett on March 17, 1956 at the New Harmony Baptist Church in Centralia and she survives him in Irvington.
In addition to his wife Patricia of 64 years, he is survived by two daughters: Gera Lynne Sims and husband Martin of Irvington, and Lori Ann Reeter and husband Tim of Edwardsville; two grandchildren: Cole Armstrong Strohmeier of Columbus, GA and Fiancé Emily Dearman of Houston, TX, and Caleb Anthony Strohmeier of Edwardsville; one sister of Irvington; several great nieces; and a lot of loving friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: Roy Lester and Opal Armstrong; father and mother-in-law: Angus and Emma Badgett.
He studied at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, served in the United States Army and was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
Gerald was a 3rd generation farmer. Armstrong Farms had peach and apple orchards, strawberry fields and a grain farm. Gerald began Armstrong Trucking, hauling cattle for many years. He was also a Representative for Pioneer Seed, Micogen Seed and Chem-Farm Implements. Gerald was co-owner of the first Subaru dealership in Southern Illinois based out of Columbus, OH.
Gerald was a lifelong member of United Methodist Church in Irvington. He was a Charter Member of the Irvington Ruritan Club, Moose Lodge lifetime member, Elks Lodge, American Legion, and Irvington Volunteer Fire Department.
One of Gerald’s biggest passions was being a Shriner. He became a Mason in 1982, belonged to the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley-Southern Illinois and Night Commander of the Court of Honor Scottish Rite, Ainad Temple and earned his 32nd Degree MSA, Jefferson County Shrine Club, Jefferson County Krazy Klowns, and the Royal Order Court of Jesters *86. Gerald was an Aid for many years to the Shriner Potentates and was Personal Aid in 2012.
Above all, Gerald’s wife and family were his greatest loves. He and Pat enjoyed traveling and his favorite place was Hawaii. Spending time with family and ‘Everyone being Together’ was what he wanted most. He could be found at many sporting events supporting Cole and Caleb who were his pride and joys.
