Jerry Edward Cunningham (78) of Leesburg, FL, formerly of Effingham

Jerry Edward Cunningham, 78, passed away in Leesburg, Florida, on Thursday, May 6, 2021, with family at his side.

Jerry was born on November 17, 1942 to William and Viola (Altenbaumer) Cunningham in Centralia, Illinois. After Jerry's father passed away, his mother remarried and Jerry was also raised by his stepfather, Stuart Yoos. Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 until 1969. Jerry graduated from the University of Illinois School of Engineering and worked as a civil engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation for over forty years. Jerry also worked for Marion County for ten years before retiring and moving to Florida in 2017.

In 1972, Jerry married his best friend, Sue (Hails-Sturgeon), and she survives. Together they raised three sons- Ron (wife Mary Meyer) Sturgeon of Springfield, Illinois, Jason (wife Lori Dirks) Cunningham of Peoria, Illinois, and Josh (friend Jade Axline) Cunningham of Indianapolis, Indiana. Jerry was beloved by his eight grandchildren- Morgan, Bailey, Alex, Sydney, Gavin, Ella, Maddy, and Luke. Jerry leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as his brother-in-law, Jerry Hails of Okeechobee, Florida and sister-in-law, Carolyn Yoos of St. Joseph, Illinois. Jerry will also be missed by his loyal dog, Bandit.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, stepbrothers Gene and Stuart (Snooks) Yoos, and sister-in-law Sonya Yoos.

Jerry served on the Effingham Park District board and was instrumental in helping to raise funds for their current pool. Jerry spent more than 20 years coaching in little league baseball and missed this dearly after retiring. Jerry was an avid golfer. Jerry loved watching his grandkids play sports, and was able to watch his granddaughters Ella and Maddy play in basketball and softball games online from his home in Florida, which was very special to him. Jerry faithfully cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals every season, win or lose, and was a dedicated Fighting Illini fan.

Services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Effingham Park District.