John Eisenbarth

John Henry ("Jack") Eisenbarth, 75, of Decatur, passed away Monday, September 23, 2013, in Decatur Memorial Hospital. A family gathering to celebrate Jack's life will be held at a later date. Jack was born October 16, 1937 in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of Henry and Bessie (McCollum) Eisenbarth. He graduated from Kewanee High School in 1955. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Blackburn College, with a major in Economics and a minor in Physical Education. He earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University, with emphasis in Physical Education. After graduating from Indiana University, Jack taught and coached in Spencer, Indiana for 3 years. After moving to Decatur, he taught and coached at the "old" Stephen Decatur High School for 13 years, the "new" Stephen Decatur High School for 6 years, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School for 13 years. Jack married Myra Boyle in 1959 and they were blessed with three children. He married Mary Alice O'Geary in 1985. He is survived by his wife; his daughter Linda Sue Waddell (Kevin) of Hoschton, Georgia, his son Sean Ivory of Palm Springs, California, and his son Jeffrey Allen Eisenbarth (Natalie) of Redwood City, California; his grandchildren Adam McKinney of Carbondale, Illinois, Amanda McKinney of Morgantown, West Virginia, Samantha Eisenbarth and Nicholas Eisenbarth, both of Centennial, Colorado; his sister Jean Burns (Bob) of LaPorte, Indiana, his brothers Joe Eisenbarth (Georgia) of Lillian, Alabama, Jim Eisenbarth (Margie) of Nokomis, Illinois, Jan Eisenbarth (Jackie) of Kewanee, Illinois; his sister-in-law Corky Eisenbarth of Kewanee. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry Eisenbarth. Jack loved family gatherings, teaching, coaching, playing and watching sports, playing slot machines, playing board games, sunning on an ocean beach, and working outdoors. He took great pride in the many yards he landscaped in the Decatur area. He was a proud supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His wish to be an organ donor was honored. The family is grateful to Dr. Richard Fritz and his staff and Dr. Steven Arnold and his staff for their care and support throughout Jack's long battle with COPD. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. "
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