Gerald Veach

VEACH

Gerald Henry Veach, 78, died on Sunday, October 7th. His family had gathered on Saturday, October 6th to celebrate 50 years of marriage between Jerry and his loving wife Becky. He passed on the following morning. Jerry, son of George and Alice Veach, was born in Woodriver, Illinios in 1934 and is preceded in death by his sister Ilah, and brothers George and Albert. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, sister Rosa, sons Timothy, Matthew, and John Tobias Veach and six grandchildren: Judson, Margaret , Emily, Sydney, Annaliese, and Vivian.
Jerry worked for Illinois Bell Telephone (AT&T) for 24 years and was the Director of Economic Development working to create public and private partnerships in distressed communities. In 1965 he was appointed Assistant Director of the Illinois War on Poverty by then Illinois Governor Dan Walker. He worked as a reporter and editor for several newspapers including: The Collinsville Herald, and The Forman Valley Express. During the Korean War he served in Germany in the army as a language specialist. He was an author of Wordles, Simon and Schuster, 1960. In his youth Jerry was an accomplished actor and singer and appeared in theatrical productions alongside Jerry Orbach while attending The University of Illinois. He completed two Masters Degrees from The University of Illinois at Springfield, one in Communication and the other in Public Administration. He had a long standing life of community service and sat on the Board of Directors of Columbus Dance Theatre and was a founding member of The Westerville Progressive Alliance. He is a member of First Community Church in Grandview Heights. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts by made to Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 432 and/or The Friends of Music of First Community Church, First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43214. A service of resurrection and remembrance will be held at the South Campus of First Community Church at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 13th. Arrrangements by MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, Westerville.