Elmer Gene (EG) Squires

Elmer Gene (EG) Squires

Mission, TX

Elmer Gene (EG) Squires, age 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Mission, TX, June 15, 2025. He was born on July 23,1932 in Reinbeck, IA.

Dad graduated from Cedar Falls High School, Class of 1950.

Dad was a proud Army veteran. He served in the Army at Fort Richardson, AK 1950-52. It was during this time he became interested in Army Jeeps, which led him to restoring a 1947 Willys Army Jeep. Dad had lots of fun and great memories driving his Jeep in hometown parades and giving the grandchildren rides.

After his service, he met the love of his life Norma Johnson, while studying at Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa), Cedar Falls, IA. He married Norma Johnson June 8, 1958, Jefferson, IA. In 1961, Dad completed his Bachelor's of Science degree at Northeast Missouri State (Truman State), Kirksville, MO. He continued his education and earned his Master of Science in Industrial Arts, at Northeast Missouri State.

Dad was an Industrial Arts teacher for 26 years.

He sponsored numerous high school clubs, including the Industrial Arts Club. Favorite activities included model car shows, building and launching model rockets. He was active in several clubs and organizations in Benton Community. Dad belonged to the American Legion Merkel Post #107, Keystone Turners, the Masonic Hope Lodge #175, and the Shriners Club.

After retiring from teaching, Dad and Mom traveled as often as they could. Mostly to spend time with family, however they had other adventures as well. They were able to go to Alaska and revisit sites from when Dad was stationed there. Several times they went to Fort Myers Beach, FL in the winter. They made trips to California and Mexico with friends. Dad loved snow skiing in Colorado, and fishing in Minnesota.

Dad had many hobbies. Some of his favorites were golfing with his Benton community friends at Tara Hills. He also enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye football games and the Chicago Cubs. Dad was an avid gardener. He especially loved canning tomatoes and dill pickles. Dad enjoyed woodworking. He had his own woodworking shop at his house in Keystone. He created many projects from salvaged barn boards. He built cedar chests, bird houses, wooden benches, picture frames, and many other projects.

Dad and Mom wintered at Aladdin Villas in Mission, TX for 26 years. They always found time for an excursion to South Padre Island or a day trip across the border to Mexico. They loved living in the valley during the winter months but also looked forward to going back to Iowa to spend time with their longtime Benton community friends.

Dad really enjoyed being together with family. He looked forward to playing a fun family game of cards or dominoes. Always remember, "board's a play!" Dad loved to barbecue and cook. In the evening, he could always be found outside on the patio having a chiminea fire. Dad always had a puzzle on the table. We will always remember the fun we had completing them together. Dad especially loved going to all the grandchildren's activities, Taekwondo, football games, track meets, basketball games, and volleyball matches. He was so proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad always loved to hear about all their endeavors. He was their greatest cheerleader.

Dad will always be remembered as having such a generous and loving heart. He had a larger-than-life personality. Dad filled the room with his love and laughter. Family meant everything to him. He will forever be in our hearts with a big smile, a cigar in his hand, and a beer raised in cheers.

Preceded in death by his wife Norma Squires, and his son Kevin Squires. Survived by two daughters: Karla Warren (John), Kristi Donald (Shawn). He had four grandchildren: Zachary Donald, Kolby Gerling, Courtney Sweeney, and Kent Warren. He had four great-grandchildren: Luke Gerling, Samuel Gerling, Kellen Gerling, and Russell Sweeney.

The celebration of life and memorial will be held at a later date.