Gerald Franklin Ready, age 78, of Vienna, was born March 18, 1943, at Freeburg, a son of Richard Henry and Ruby Martha Elizabeth (Keeney) Ready, and passed from this life Thursday, June 24, 2021, at his residence in Vienna.

He was united in marriage November 4, 2005, at Vienna, to the former Mrs. Marcelline Clara "Marcie" Buschmann Wansing.

At an early age, Gerald accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized while attending the Little Flock Baptist Church, near Vienna.  He was a charter member of the Vienna-Bassett Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4340, Vienna.

During his working life, Gerald was employed at Weidinger Chevrolet, Vienna, as a Mechanic  and retiring in 1979 as Service Manager after 18 years to follow his dream of farming full time.  His farming career consisted of raising beef cattle, some hogs, and combining Fescue for himself and others with 4 combines and 3 trucks.  Gerald never lost his passion for farming long as he was able to get the job done.

Those left to celebrate the life of Gerald include:  His daughter, Lisa Dee James, Vienna; his grandson, Timothy Read James, Vienna; 3 step-daughters, Rhonda (Darrell) Maples, Jefferson City, Linda Sue (George) Iven, Freeburg, and Julie (Billy) Meier, Vienna; step-grandchildren; 4 siblings, Corbett (Maureen) Ready, Owensville, Georgia Lea Cassmeyer, Oklahoma City, OK, Dean (Alice) Ready, Vienna, and Roger "Butch" (Elaine) Ready, Taos; nephews; nieces; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcie (3-13-2013); his father, Henry (8-11-1995); and his mother, Ruby (11-24-1996); and his 1 half-sister, Della Koehler (6-6-2012).

Visitation for Mr. Gerald Ready will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021, and from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in the funeral chapel with Jim Parker and John Roberson officiating.

Interment will be near his parents in the Vienna Public Cemetery under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.  Pallbearers for Gerald are his nephews and neighbor, Greg Ready, Doug Ready, Brett Ready, Brice Ready, Luke Ready, and Todd Feeler.

Memorials are per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the funeral home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO  65582.