Jerry L. Stafford

EAST PEORIA—Jerry L. Stafford, 77, of East Peoria died at 8:15 PM on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at his residence. Born July 3, 1933 in Peoria to Harry and Marie Lewis Stafford, he married Sandra Hoppe Sheen on Sept 16, 1983 in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Mark of Butte, MT and daughter, Cynthia (Tom) Sandlund of St. Charles, IL; stepson Nathan Sheen of Champaign, IL and stepdaughter, Elizabeth (Sheen) Hayes of Morton, IL; grandchildren, Jacob, Jessica, Bryce and Caleb Sandlund, Breanna, Cameron, Brendyn and Mikayla Stafford, Abbie Fox, Ellee Hayes, Kayla McSherry, and Payton Sheen; and his sister, Donna (John) Stocksiek. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 stepson, Christopher Sheen. He was a 1951 graduate of Woodruff High School and graduated in 1955 from Wheaton College. Jerry served in the US Army from 1958-1960. He was ordained as a minister at North Sheridan Road Baptist Church, and served as interim pastor there and at the Ann Street Mennonite Church. Jerry’s passion in life was being involved in youth ministry. He started a boys basketball club at the YMCA in Peoria, and was involved with Southside Mission and Youth for Christ. In 1971 he purchased a tract of land in rural Lacon, IL, developed the land and started the Great Oaks Camp for inner city youth ministry. He played racquetball at Gold’s Gym and Landmark in Peoria and was a member of the Happy Hackers tennis club at Glen Oak Park, and participated in the Senior Olympics. Jerry enjoyed gardening, singing, and reading his Bible. Jerry was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, where funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 27. Pastors Dr. Ben Johnston and Douglas Lightly will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, April 26 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, where military rites will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Oaks Camp, 710 E Archer, Peoria IL 61603, Grace Presbyterian Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Jerry L. Stafford

July 3, 1933 - April 23, 2011