CLINTON — Gary Archey, 81, of Clinton, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Gary was born on April 26, 1943, in Shelbyville, Ill., the son of Gloyd and Louise Archey. He married Sandra L. Strohl on August 23, 1964, in Bement, Ill.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra; children Melissa L. Archey, of Golden, Colo./Clontarf, Australia, and Ryan C. Archey (Heather), of Rochester, Ill., as well as three grandchildren, Katie, Denny, and Charlie Archey.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jan Kay Bell (Charles), Helen Ann Williams (Max), and Doris Rothrock (Dean).
After graduating from Maroa High School, in 1961, Gary attended Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree in School Administration. He later received his Certificate of Administration Study in school administration from the University of Illinois. He also was nominated by the Regional Superintendent for Regional Office of Education # 17 to participate in the Education Policy Fellowship Program Institute for Educational Leadership, a year-long program that took him to Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Illinois State University, and Springfield.
In 1965, Gary began his career as a physical education teacher and coach for football, basketball, and track and field in Pana schools for three years. Gary joined the Clinton Schools in 1968 as Principal of Washington Elementary. Two years later, he was appointed Director of Instruction, and in 1972, he was named Assistant Superintendent. In 1976, he began his 23-year tenure as Superintendent of Clinton Community Unit School District #15, until his retirement in 1999.
Ultimately, Gary was honored to serve the greater school community of Clinton for 31 years, his warm smile and unwavering dedication inspiring students, colleagues and so many more. Gary was deeply committed to the students, parents, and school staff including the support staff, teachers, and administrators in both Pana and Clinton school districts. He valued and appreciated the many board members he worked for and with over the years.
Gary lived by his favorite saying, “I want to treat people as I would like to be treated.” He was forever grateful to the hundreds of people who offered support throughout his life from his humble beginnings in Maroa to the end of his journey in Clinton.
During his many years in Clinton, Gary served on many community and civic organizations as a board member. One of his favorites was serving two years as fund raising chairman for the United Way of DeWitt County.
After his retirement in 1999, Gary served as a consultant for the Regional Office of Education # 17 serving DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean Counties, and as an educational consultant for The Consulting and Resource Group, Inc. in Monticello, Ill. He also served on the Corn Belt Energy Corporation as a board director for 17 years.
During his retirement years, Gary continued to treat people the way he wanted to be treated. Everyone he met felt like a treasured friend for years. Gary spent his time with his beloved wife traveling and making memories with their children and grandchildren.
A gathering will be held from 1–3 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Calvert Funeral Home with a service at 3 p.m., followed by an open house at Circle South at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the Archey family would be honored by donations made on behalf of Gary’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or The Baby Fold, in Normal, Ill.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
