Jerry Andrews

Jerry C. Andrews, 66, of Decatur, IL., passed away at 6:22 A.M. on Friday (02-17-2012) in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday , February 25, 2012, at Central Christian Church, with a life celebration gathering following services in the church Great Hall. Memorials may be made to: BabyTalk or Guardian Angel Basset Rescue P.O. Box 288, Dwight, IL. 60420 Jerry was born on November 28, 1945 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Dwain and Dorothy (Cope) Andrews. He married Sharon Hooe on July 29, 1967 in Sullivan, IL. Jerry attended Decatur schools, graduating from MacArthur High School in 1963. He then went to Eureka College (where he met his future wife, Sharon), graduating in 1967, with a double degree in mathematics and business. Following Eureka College, he did graduate work at Sangamon State University in Springfield, IL Jerry began his working career with the City of Decatur in Lake Maintenance, then the Lake Patrol, from 1965 - 1967. He then worked for the Macon County Health Department from 1968 - 1976 as Sanitarian, then Director of Environmental Health, then Acting Administrator, and from May of 1985 until his retirement December 31, 2010, as Administrator, when the health department building was named for him. During his career, Jerry served as President of the Illinois Association of Public Health administrators; Parliamentarian of the Illinois Public Health Association and was a member of the American Public Health Association and the National Association of County and City Health Officials. He was also an integral part of the Illinois Public Health Futures Institute and served on their executive committee. He served as Chair of the BabyTalk Board, as well as Chair of the Decatur Community Partnership Board.. His work through the local Human Services Agencies Consortium included Chair, Secretary, Member at Large, Food Fight Committee Member, and Chair of the Grant Committee since its inception. In addition to his many local awards and recognitions, Jerry was awarded the 2007 Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Public Health Association for his outstanding contributions to public health. His community activities included: at the Decatur YMCA, the membership committee, basketball coach for 10 years, and scuba diving instructor for 24 years. At the Macon County Red Cross, he was a volunteer first aid and CPR instructor for 20 years. For the Macon County ESDA, he was volunteer head of the Macon County Underwater Search and Rescue Team for 8 years. At the Sandemac Kennel Club, he was a member for 22 years, President for 3 years, board member for 8 years, and American Kennel Club representative for 4 years. Also, he was President of the Macon County Community Health Foundation. Jerry was also a volunteer for the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue organization, a board member of the Macon County Animal Foundation.. a Futures Unlimited Alternative School mentor, an adjunct instructor in food sanitation at Richland Community College, an advisory council member for the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging, a Good Samaritan Inn volunteer, a member of Golden K Kiwanis, and a life member of Central Christian Church.. He is survived by his wife: Sharon of Decatur, IL; son: Chad Andrews of O'Fallon, MO.; sister: Nancy Schultz of Dalton City, IL; Dave and Nita Phillips of Decatur, IL; nephew: Mike (Annika) Phillips of Omaha, NE and Steve (Sue) Phillips of Decatur, IL; niece: Jennifer (Chris) Michel of Decatur, cousins: Robert Cope of KY and Stuart Cope of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother James. Jerry was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and dearly loved his basset hounds: Gabby, Manfred, Wegi, and Tank. A special thanks to Dr. Richard Fritz and staff for their loving care and support for Jerry over the years. Jerry will be greatly missed. "
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