Jerry Ray "Toby" Tobias' Obituary
Decatur-Jerry Ray “Toby” Tobias, 77, of Decatur, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Jerry was born May 25, 1938, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Henry Ira and Mary Alice Tobias. In 1951 the family was transferred to Decatur. He attended Roosevelt Jr. High School and graduated from Decatur High School class of 1956. He married Bonnie Kaylor in 1957. They have three children Barry, Patsy, and Michelle. Jerry attended Millikin University graduating in 1961. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation, he worked for Spurgeon’s Department Store. In 1964, he moved to Fairfield, Iowa and worked for Nabisco in sales. Upon returning to Springfield in 1966, Jerry worked for Bunn Capitol in sales and purchasing, retiring in 1994, was a member of Carpenters Local #16, and worked at the Decatur Athletic Club. Jerry served on the council of Faith Lutheran Church in Springfield and was chairman of the Worship Committee. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #523 A.F. & A.M. in Chatham. He served on the TKE Alumni Board and Beta Holding Corp, and was active in restarting the Beta Chapter of TKE in the early 90s. In 1983, Jerry was transferred to Decatur. He became a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Jerry married Carole Trusner in 1988. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Formula One racing enthusiast, enjoyed camping with his family, and he never met a stranger.
Jerry leaves behind his wife Carole, children Barry (Shaun) Tobias, Patsy (Gary) Klekamp, Michelle (Rick) Bahr, grandchildren Ashley Tobias, Ben (Nadia) Klekamp, Chelsea Klekamp, Alec Tobias, great-grandson Taylor Tobias, stepsons Eric Trusner, and Curt (Aneta) Trusner.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Shelby Cottrell, RN with DMH Home Health Services, Dr. Mario Velasco, nurses, and the staff of the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, and Dr. Steven Sobol.
Services to celebrate Jerry’s life will be 10 AM Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with Dr. John S. Kay officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, October 16, 2015 at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 7 PM. Private family entombment will be in the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Tobias Scholarship Fund at Millikin University.
The family of Jerry Ray “Toby” Tobias is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?