Danville has lost another of its ‘’famous five’’, but more importantly, Mayor Scott Eisenhauer says the city has lost a great cheerleader and friend to our city. Word came Saturday that entertainer and Danville native Jerry Van Dyke died Friday at his Arkansas ranch. He was 86.
TMZ quoted Van Dyke’s wife Shirley as saying Jerry’s health had deteriorated after they were involved in a car accident two years ago.
At the Danville Tennis Club – a place Van Dyke loved to play when he was back in town – some close friends reflected on his life Saturday afternoon. Patsy Simpson went to school with Van Dyke…
Simpson recalled when Jerry and his older brother Dick, along with Danville natives Bobby Short, Gene Hackman and Donald O’Conner all came back to their old hometown to help raise money for the restoration of the Fischer Theatre…
Cathy Simpson ran the Danville Tennis Club for ten years and says Jerry Van Dyke would often stop there to play…
Scott Simpson, who served as a tennis pro at the Danville Tennis Club for over twenty years, recalled when Van Dyke provided the entertainment for a mortgage burning event for the Tennis Center…
[In the photo, Scott Simpson points to Jerry Van Dyke’s plaque on the honor wall at the Tennis Center.]
Jerry Van Dyke was born in Danville (Illinois) in July of 1931. He made several guest appearances on his brother’s Dick Van Dyke Show before later staring on ‘Coach’ and ‘The Middle’.
‘’Jerry often made visits back to Danville, whether to challenge his friends at the Danville Tennis Club, or simply to socialize with former classmates, stage peers, and friends,’’ said Mayor Scott Eisenhauer Saturday afternoon. ‘’Whether it was the Anniversary Celebration of the Red Mask Theatre, the Vermilion Heritage Foundation’s efforts to restore the Fischer, or to reunite with classmates, anytime there was a milestone event in our community, Mr. Van Dyke was present and willing to entertain!’’
‘’This community sends its sincerest condolences to his family and friends, here and everywhere, and are deeply saddened by the passing of our ‘Coach’ and native son,’’ the Mayor added.
[The photo above is of Scott, Cathy and Patsy Simpson. Photo of Jerry Van Dyke courtesy of PR Photos.]
