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

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

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with military rites. Memorial donations may be given to the Effingham Park District or to the charity of the donor’s choice. 

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.