Jerry W Funkhouser

Mahomet, IL – Jerry W. Funkhouser, age 72, of Mahomet, IL, formerly of Mt. Vernon, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, August 23rd, 2020, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL, after an almost four-year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born July 1, 1948, as the son of Archie and Edna Funkhouser. Jerry loved kids and knew he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people; and so in 1966, he went on to study at Indiana University where he pursued a degree in biology. He later earned multiple master’s and master’s plus degrees in the education and leadership fields. He didn’t just believe in education, but also pursued it to better himself throughout his career.

Jerry began his career as a science teacher at Ernie Pyle Elementary School in Clinton, IN, and was later hired as a science teacher and coach for Mt. Vernon Junior High School. He later became dean of students and then served as principal of Mt. Vernon Junior High School for 29 years. As an administrator, he was well-connected and volunteered with the Indiana Association of School Principals. He served on their board of directors, coordinated regional workshops, and served as the state president. It was during his time in Indianapolis serving with IASP that he also became involved with Riley Children’s Hospital, serving on the Riley Kids Caring and Sharing Advisory Board.

Over the years, Jerry presented at numerous conferences on a local, state, and national level on topics ranging from character education to inter-professional relations. He was the recipient of many awards through the years, but the Distinguished Hoosier Award by Governor O’Bannon in 2002, IASP Prestigious President’s Award in 2005, and the Key to the City of Mt. Vernon in 2012 are amongst some of his most treasured.

Jerry also engaged with many local community organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Alexandrian Public Library, the advisory board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Posey County, and Board of Directors for the Riverview Manor Home where he also served as president.

As a principal, he served with all his heart. He spent many nights and weekends supporting his students and staff. Every day during morning announcements, he would say, “As you go throughout the day, remember to do your best in everything you do, treat others as you would like to be treated, and do what’s right—because that’s the right thing to do.” In his time at the junior high, his fondest memories were of the students as he strived to leave a legacy of caring, excellence, encouragement, and love.

Jerry’s greatest treasure was his family. His partner through his life journey has been his wife, Cheryl Ashworth Funkhouser, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 15. He was a tremendously proud father and grandparent, never missing any of his children’s events and cheering (loudly) at every sporting event he was able to attend for his grandchildren. He enjoyed many family vacations, the most recent trip back to Indiana University where he proudly served as tour guide for his kids and grandkids at his beloved alma mater.

Jerry attended New Horizon Church in Champaign, IL, and was a member at St. James United Methodist Church in Evansville, IN.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Edna Funkhouser of Mt. Vernon, IN.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Cheryl Ashworth Funkhouser; daughter Kristen Claybrooke (Duanne) of Mahomet, IL; son Kyle Funkhouser (Marina) of Island Lake, IL; 3 grandchildren Maddi, Reis, and Kelsey; sister Nancy Green (Joe) of Indianapolis, IN; brother Carroll Funkhouser (Dottie) of Mt. Vernon, IN; sister-in-law Vickie Raleigh of Evansville, IN; and multiple nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Special thanks to Carle Cancer Center staff and Carle valet staff for all the kind and compassionate care over the last four years. In particular, Jerry held a special place in his heart for Dr. Vamsi Vasireddy, Melissa Phillips, and Dr. Christopher Nelson. Special thanks as well to the staff on Carle Tower 7, who took excellent care of Jerry over the last two weeks. Special thanks, also, to Rev. Mark Jordan and Rev. Gene Backes for their love and support.

A walk-through visitation (masks required) will be held on Friday, August 28th between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home West Chapel in Evansville, IN. Funeral service for family to follow. The funeral surface will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to Riley Children’s Foundation (30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204) or the Carle Cancer Center (509 W. University Ave, Urbana, IL 61801).

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.