Dr. Jerry E. Ritchey, 84, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away August 25, 2019 at his residence. He was born on December 12, 1934 in McLeansboro, Illinois. His parents were Arley and Cecile Ritchey. He graduated from high school there and then attended Mississippi State University where he played basketball. He received his BS degree from MSU and began teaching in Illinois. Late he obtained his MS degree in Educational Administration from Southern Illinois University. He served in the US Army before and during the Berlin Crisis.

He married Carol Moore in Robinson, Illinois on June 3, 1961. Jerry became Principal in Mason City, Illinois and then Unit Superintendent of Schools there. In 1994 he became Unit Superintendent of Schools in Olney, Illinois where he served until his retirement (sic). He was elected to the Richland County Board and served on that board for ten years. He received his Doctorate in Education from Illinois State University.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and had served on several committees in different churches.

Jerry was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Mount Vernon and served as Worshipful Master in the Olney, Illinois Lodge for two terms. He was also a member and President of Rotary, a lifetime member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators, and the Illinois Retired Teachers as well as other education, professional, and community organizations.

He is survived by his wife Carol and two children, David Ritchey and Ann Mark; five grandchildren; and brother, Jim. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, P.D. and Leroy, and sister, Arlene.

A greeting of friends and family will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 29, 2019 with Pastor Victor Long and Pastor David Edie officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Angels on Assignment. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.

Olney Daily Mail, Olney (IL) – obituary & photo