Gerald T. Yaxley, 88, of Champaign died Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 11:46 p.m. A memorial reception will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

Mr. Yaxley was born in Ridgeway, New York on December 5, 1923 to parents Leo and Agnes (Prue) Yaxley. He married Nancy Nesbitt on May 20, 1946. She preceded him in death January 8, 2011.

Survivors include son Tom Yaxley (Pat Johnson), of Champaign, daughters Laurie Hughes (Randy), of Champaign and Janice Buerkett (Dennis), of Champaign, ten grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and son, Private First Class Marine William David Yaxley,

After proudly serving in the United States Army during WWII as a member of the 104th Infantry (the Timberwolves), Gerald became a teacher, and later principal for Champaign School District Unit 4, where he worked for more than 30 years. His students were important to him; he never forgot a face.

In addition to being an educator, Gerald supplemented family income by being a Fuller Brush man, a salesman for Kaufman Men's Store, selling programs and visors for Illinois football games and residential painting. After retirement he ran a small business, Jer's Repairs and built the family cabin and a lake house.

He enjoyed coaching elementary school sports.

Mr. Yaxley was a long-time member of the Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church where he taught Sunday school and served on the Vestry.

He was an avid hunter and owner of hunting and other dogs.

Memorial contributions may be made to the William David Yaxley Scholarship Fund, Parkland College Foundation. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.