Jerry L. Beavers' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Jerry Lee Beavers, age 83 of Charleston, entered his heavenly home on Friday, December 13, 2013 at his Brookstone Estates of Charleston residence. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Ray Finney officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday from 12:30 until service time. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Central Christian Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Jerry was born on November 19, 1930 in Charleston, Illinois, a son of the late Cecil P. and Ethel (Barnes) Beavers. He married Shirley Day on December 1, 1951 in Robinson, Illinois and they were married for just a short time before her death on January 27, 1954. He then married Virginia ""Jenny"" Richie on January 9, 1961 in Shawneetown, Illinois and they shared 47 years of marriage and friendship prior to her death on October 22, 2008. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Sheila Heston and husband Kirk of Las Vegas, NV; five grandchildren, Caleb (Crystal) Smith of Charleston, David (Brandi) Reynolds of Mattoon, Chad (Charlotte) Reynolds of Michigan, Jamie Ambrose of Las Vegas and Jennifer Ambrose and fiance Larry Roberts of Charleston; 8 great grandchildren, Caiden and Abbie Smith, Shania, Kiara, Michelangelo and Hunter Reynolds, and Adam and Austin Gotschall; a sister-in-law, Patricia Beavers of Tempe, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents and both wives, Jerry was preceded in death by two daughters, Debra Kay Woolever and infant daughter Susie Beavers; a grandson, Quinn Smith; and 3 brothers, Jack, Max and Rex Beavers. Jerry was an employee of Young Radiator in Mattoon for 36 years and following his retirement from Young's accepted a position as Administrator of the Charleston Moose Club from 1987 until 1992. He was a member of Central Christian Church in Charleston, and a Life Member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3438 of Mattoon. In his younger years Jerry enjoyed the sport of fishing and hunting, was quite the softball player and also participated on several men's bowling leagues. He was a member of the winning team at the American Bowling Congress Championships in Oklahoma City in 1976. Jerry also devoted 21 years to Charleston's youth as a Little League coach and also umpired. He was a big sports fan and followed various sporting events but he will always be known for being a true die-hard Chicago Cubs fan - according to Jerry there was no other team. Jerry was outspoken, had a straightforward approach to life and was blessed with a wealth of friends. When he married Jenny he gained not only a brother-in-law but a best friend. He and Jim enjoyed the horse races and practical jokes and Jerry appreciated and cherished their friendship. Jerry dearly loved his family, enjoyed his grandchildren and their families, and remained close and kept in touch with his nieces and nephews. Jerry will fondly and lovingly be remembered by his family and friends.Click to view Jerry's memorial video.
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