Elmer Leroy Jessup

Elmer Leroy Jessup, 82, of Chatham, formerly of Springfield, peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 22, at St. John�s Hospice. He was born on May 16, 1931, in rural Virden, to the late Scott Lee and Emma Beck Jessup. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Army and served during the Korean War. Elmer married Helen Clare Brennan on October 22, 1955. She preceded him in death on February 3, 2009. His brother, Ray Jessup and sister, Margaret Wilcoxson also preceded him in death. Mr. Jessup was a sheet metal worker, with Local 218, and retired from Schmidt Brothers after many years of service. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, fish fries and cook outs with his family, especially his grandchildren. It was said that no one could grill a steak better! Mr. Jessup was a lifetime member of the Sangamo Surf Club and he enjoyed vacationing in Rice Lake, WI. His family would like to thank the staff of Mill Creek and caregivers in the 2E area at Memorial Medical Center and St. John�s Hospice for the exceptional care they gave Elmer. Survivors include his children, Robert (Carol) Jessup of Springfield, Richard Jessup (companion Brooke Walters) of Chatham, Philip Jessup of Springfield, Laureen (Patrick) McCarthy of Chatham, Nancy Morris (companion Daniel �Jack� Snyders) of Chatham; grandchildren: Scott, Danny and Kelli Jessup, Mason Walters, Sean and Caitlin McCarthy, Gavin and Eric Morris; siblings: Lorene (Paul) Pierceall of Palmdale, CA, Anna Mae (Gerald) Prescher of Springfield, Glen (Beverly) Jessup of Pawnee and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: His family will greet friends from 4-7pm, June 25, 2013 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. Funeral ceremony will be held at 10am, Wednesday, June 26 at Staab Polk Memorial Home, Chatham with Deacon Frank Maynerich officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery with the Interveterans� Burial Detail of Sangamon County conducting military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4507 North Sterling Ave, Suite 210, Peoria, IL 61615 or St John�s Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62729.