David Dean Jeffries, 91, of Fairbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26,2024, at his home with his family by his side.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 11:00 am at Spence Cemetery, Fairbury. Cremation rites have been accorded. An Open House for visiting and reminiscing will be held at the Fairbury VFW from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Memorial donations can be made in David’s name to either the Illinois Audubon Society at 2315 E. Clearlake Ave. Springfield, IL 62703 or to the Parklands Foundation at 202W. College Ave. Normal, IL 61761
Dave was born October 4, 1932, the son of Urban and Mary (Nevins) Jeffries. He married Pearle Mills on January 19, 1963 in Vermillion Grove, IL. She survives in Fairbury. Dave is a veteran of the United States Navy.
He is survived by his wife, Pearle, two sons Keith (Elaine) Jeffries, and Kevin (Darcy)Jeffries, and one sister Elizabeth Burns. Dave is survived by his grandchildren: Brooke (Kent) Fehr, Lydia (Kyle) Giroux, Rachel (Jack) Murphy, David Jeffries and his fiancé Megan, Sarah (Donte Blanchard) Jeffries, and Joshua Jeffries. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren: Rebel Fehr, Rush Fehr, Maeve Murphy, and a Baby Giroux on the way and many nieces and nephews.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: John Jeffries, Phillip Jeffries, Rosemary Idleman, and William Jeffries.
He graduated from Charleston, IL High School in 1950. He earned his BS from Eastern Illinois University and MS from Southern Illinois University. He began his teaching and coaching career at Martinsville, Il and retired from Prairie Central High School in 1992. He was a member of Fairbury Presbyterian Church, Illinois Audubon Society, Parklands Foundation, McLean County Arts Center and Senior Professionals of ISU. He was a Tau Kappa Epsilon #24 at EIU.
Dave was loved by many for his kindness and sense of humor. He loved fishing with his sons and laughing with his grandchildren and family. He and Pearle valued time at their Michigan camp. Their retirement was filled with exploring the States and other countries. He was still “coaching” his beloved Cardinals to the very end. He embraced his life and health issues with positivity, patience, perseverance and prayer. He will be loved and missed.
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