Gerold McBride

Gerold McBride entered into the presence of our Lord. His earthly journey began in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Thursday, December 31,1931. His journey on earth ended peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence with family by his side.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (McCauley), parents Paul and Ida (Fleming) McBride, and two brothers, Tom and Ronnie McBride.

In 1953, he married the sweetheart of his life, Marilyn McCauley. Our heavenly father blessed them with four children, who then blessed them with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandson.

He is survived by a loving sister, Sandra Starr and her husband Brad. Daughters - Lynn (Jacob) Blackwell, Kim (Gary) Martin, Rebecca (Bruce) Buchheit, and son Gregg (Kirsta) McBride. His loving grandchildren are Jeremy (Jaki) Blackwell and Ben Blackwell, Gary (Kari) Martin Jr, Michael (Amanda) Martin, Jennifer (Dustin) Miller, Amy (Tony) Talarico, Jason (Jessica) Buchheit, Sarah (Alex) Norath, Abigail (Joshua) Stevens, Michael Buchheit and special friend Julia Heck, and Sean and Heather McBride. 19 great-grandchildren - Jordan & Mayci Blackwell, Tyler Ashby and special friend McCadden Berkbigler, Sophia, Ashley, Stephen, Derek, & Sadie Martin, Tysen & Falon Miller, Jozy Meyer, Liliana Talarico, Tucker Miller, Lucas, Kyle, & Lane Buchheit, and Ellyn & August Norath. And his great-great grandson Beckett Ashby.

Gerold was ordained into the ministry in 1961 in Cahokia, IL. He attended Midwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. His first service was at Jerome Lane Baptist Church in Cahokia, IL on December 31, 1961. After many years of sharing Gods word, his last sermon took place at Lithium Baptist Church of 36 years, in Perryville, MO on November 13, 2022.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather and a father figure to many of his children’s friends. He was known for his caring nature and his wit was legendary. He listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, it was always with wisdom and love. His quick smile and perfectly timed one-liners were cherished by all who knew him.

Gerold was a man whose heart belonged fully to his family and his calling to preach God’s Word. His sermons weren’t just messages, they were lifelines, filled with passion, truth, and depth of understanding that could only come from someone who walked closely with the Lord. He had a gift for making scripture come alive, speaking to the soul with clarity and conviction.

To his children, he was more than a father - he was a playmate, a teacher, and a friend. He delighted in leaving hide-and-seek notes around the house, turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures. Those little notes, scribbled with love and tucked into unexpected places, became treasured memories that told his children they were always on his mind.

As a grandfather, Gerold shined even brighter. His gentleness, patience, and joy in the little things made him a hero in the eyes of his grandchildren. He and Marilyn loved taking the grandkids on little adventures - whether it was a simple trip to McDonald's boat on the river or a day spent exploring the beauty of Johnson's Shut-Ins, those moments were filled with laughter, storytelling, and love. Whether sharing a snack, saying a prayer, or simply sitting close, he made his grandchildren feel seen, safe, and deeply cherished.

His and Marilyn's favorite park since the early 60's, was Kaskaskia Park. It was here that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered to make some of the most memorable memories.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived - a life rooted in faith, shaped by love, and filled with joy. Gerold McBride ran his race with grace and purpose. And now, he rests in the arms of the Savior he served so faithfully.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the truths he shared.  He was truly one of a kind.

Visitation will be held at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville, Missouri on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM until service time of 1:00 PM. with Pastor Roy Jones officiating. Memorials in Gerold’s memory may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Journey Hospice. Local arrangements under the care of C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge.