serve

The photos above are from the USS Enterprise CVN-65 during the fire that took place on it's deck during 1969. Jill's father served aboard the carrier during this event and was fortunate enough not to be where he should have been during this terrible tragedy. Luckily he escaped harm, as he happened to be on the other end of the ship during the fire.

I've been away for a the last few days. Jill's Father, Jerry, passed last Tuesday and we have been at home seeing to things and making arrangements. I got to know Jill's Dad in the years that Jill and I have been together. Jill's father was the county sheriff during the time that Jill and I were dating. He always seemed to make it a point of "escorting" me out of town (by tailgating me in his squad car) each time I would leave Jill's house. Eventually he came to trust his future son-in-law. I always enjoyed taking with him about old BMW's (since his father owned one for many years), old cars, and just about anything antique, as he had a great appreciation for old antique objects. In the most recent years it has been great to be able to share who I am (and our children), and my interests with him through this blog. Jill described her Dad as someone who always served.Throughout his life he served his community and country in different capacities and always did so to the best of his abilities. He passed suddenly and too soon. This has really made me think about how short our lives are.

My love and thoughts are with my best friend, Jill, as she faces this difficult time in her life.

Gerald (Jerry) Eldon Burley, 64, of Effingham, formerly of Toledo, passed from this life at 12:44 AM on Tuesday July 26, 2011 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. Jerry was born May 24, 1947, the son of Eldon and Gladys (Starwalt) Burley in Mattoon, IL. He was preceded in death by his dear father. Jerry is survived by his mother Gladys of Toledo and his sons, Scott of Good Hope, IL, Jess of Crossville, IL, Samuel of Georgia, and his daughter Jill and her Husband Frankie Flood of Whitefish Bay, WI. Also surviving are his brother Larry of Toledo and his sister Carol and her husband Bob Markwell of Toledo. Jerry was known as Grandpa Pickle to his grandchildren, Noah and Maya Flood of Whitefish Bay, WI. He was an Uncle Jerry to four nieces and nephews. Jerry attended Toledo Grade School and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1965. He served his country in the US Navy from 1965 to 1969 serving three tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Enterprise as Electronics Mate Third Class. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Jerry attended and graduated from the Illinois Police Training Institute in Urbana, IL in 1977. He then served his community as a Cumberland Country Sherriff's Deputy and as the Chief of Police of Toledo for 19 years. After retiring from law enforcement, Jerry worked as a Rural Letter Carrier in Effingham, IL for over 20 years. He held many local and state offices in the Rural Letter Carrier's Association including ILRLCA President. Jerry was actively involved in the Family Readiness Group for Bravo Company 2/130 IN based in Effingham, a group that serves as a support system for families left behind while their loved ones serve in the National Guard. He served as FRG President during and after his son Scott's deployment to Afghanistan. Due to his involvement and dedication to the soldiers and their families, Jerry was awarded the Minuteman Award, the highest civilian award granted by the National Guard. After surviving breast cancer, Jerry became actively involved with the Effingham County Relay For Life and served as a guest speaker for the event on July 8, 2011. He was a member of Toledo Christian Church, National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and former member of the Toledo Kiwanis Club. He also had an avid love of sports photography which he shared with a number of local athletes. Jerry had a genuine desire to serve his family, his country, and his fellow citizens that will be greatly missed. Memorials may be made to the Family Readiness Group of B Co. 2/130 IN of Effingham, Relay For Life of Effingham County, or the American Heart Association.