Jerome VanGels

Jerome VanGels, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at approximately 4:45 a.m. at the Salt River Community Care Center.
He was born Feb. 9, 1932, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Albert Henry and Rosa Helena Summerman VanGels. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Gardhouse on Aug. 26, 1956, in Palmyra. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Jerome is survived by one daughter, Julie Ann Sparks and fiance, Jeff Smith of Kirksville; one AFS son, Juan Carlos Chaves More and wife, Floria of Costa Rica; six grandchildren, Autumn Early and husband, Andy of Overland Park, Kan., Amity Sparks of St. Louis, Asa Sparks of Kirksville, Maria Laura, Ana Catalina and Eva Maria Chaves Mora of Costa Rica; one great-grandchild, Briley Mae Early; one brother, Richard VanGels and wife, Elaine of O’Fallon, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Cecilia VanGels.
Jerome graduated from Beaumont high School in 1949; he received his BSE degree from Truman State University in 1953 and his MA degree in 1956. He attended the University of Missouri to pursue his PhD. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Shelbyville United Methodist Church. Jerome was a member of MSTA, Retired Teacher Association; he was the first president of Alpha Kappa Lambda at Truman State University, Shelbina Masonic Lodge No. 228 and the Royal Arch Chapter No. 2 of Palmyra, Scottish Rite of St. Louis, Shelbina American Legion No. 376 and Eastern Star of Shelbina. He was a school superintendent for 29 years and served at North Shelby School District from 1968 to 1987. He enjoyed cooking, grocery shopping and jigsaw puzzles and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Rev. Helen McFarland will officiate.
Memorials may be given to the Jerome VanGels Scholarship for graduates from North Shelby, majoring in Education, or to the donor’s choice.