Dr. Jerry D. Heath

Dr. Jerry D. Heath, 100, of Charleston, Illinois passed away peacefully Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Adams Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the E.I.U. Foundation, The Heath Sports Medicine Scholarship. Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Jerry was born September 19, 1922 in Sumner, Illinois, the son of Flemin and Mary (David) Heath. He married Margery Thomas on June 12, 1945 in Charleston, Illinois and she preceded him in death on April 7, 2015. He is survived by his son, Forest “Frosty” (Connie) Heath of Charleston, Illinois; daughter, Jean (Carson) Evans of Longmont, Colorado; six grandchildren, Kelly Heath, Lindsay Heath, Jamie (Pat) Barry, Aaron (Jolie) Evans, Ryan (Micah) Evans, and Lauren (Will) Forsythe; nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Heath; and sister, Louise Neher.

Jerry graduated from Lawrenceville High School. He furthered his educated at Eastern Illinois University before being appointed to and later graduating from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and proudly served his country in WW2. He then finished his degree in medicine at the University of Illinois Medical School. He was a general practitioner in Lawrenceville, Illinois until 1956 before starting his career as the Medical Doctor and Director of Clinical Services at Eastern Illinois University. After 35 years of service, he retired in 1991. Eastern was a big part of Jerry and Marge’s life. They both remained extremely supportive of the university and it programs. The have established a scholarship in their name, are Lifetime Members of the E.I.U. Foundation, and received the Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2009. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, the Illinois Medical Association, and the Charleston Country Club. He had a love for golf, quail hunting, and enjoyed his time traveling. He will be missed by many who loved him dearly.

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