Obituary of Jerry Gene Aten

Oro Valley, AZ - Jerry Gene Aten, lover of life, animals and golf, died on Friday, May 3, 2019. He was 76. Born on Valentine's Day 1943, in rural Rushville, Illinois, Jerry had a devilish grin and a penchant for mischief from an early age. From chasing baby chicks around his grandfather's farm as a toddler to chasing chicks of a different kind around in his blue Corvette as a young man, he was always game for a good time. It was that blue Corvette that he drove into the First National Bank of Carthage drive-thru one fateful day where he met the love of his life, Polly. A lifelong educator, he taught middle school social studies and government in Carthage, IL for many years. He briefly moved into school administration before he realized being the principal wasn't as fun as being sent to the principal. From there, he moved into educational publishing as an editor at Good Apple—one of Carthage's biggest employers. Jerry was an active member of the Carthage community—coaching the high school golf team, running the scoreboard at basketball games and serving on the City Council and golf club board. But the calling of year-round warm weather was too strong. He embraced the freedom of a freelance editor role with Frank Schaffer Publications and moved his family to Oro Valley, Arizona in 1993 to golf full time. Before he retired in 2004, Jerry authored more than 50 education books for elementary and middle school students and served as editor-in-chief for countless more. He played the golf courses of Southern Arizona every day he could, replacing knees and shoulders as necessary to keep up his love of the game. He made many local friends on the course and the post-round 19th hole —particularly Famous Sam's. He also enjoyed hosting his friends from colder climates in the spring to soak up the Arizona sun. Jerry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Polly (Carwile) Aten; his daughter, Wendy (Aten) Mayo and husband Ryan of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; his son, Tyler Aten and partner Lissette of Tucson, Arizona; his brother, Rudy Aten and wife Carol of Galesburg, Illinois; three grandchildren, Billie Mayo (5) of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Lily (5) and Wyatt (3) Aten of Tucson, Arizona; and many close friends in both Arizona and Illinois. He was a great dog dad to Barney, Tiki, Hogan, Mac and Willow, who were all surely waiting to see him at the pearly gates. A celebration of his life will be scheduled later this summer in Oro Valley for friends and family to gather over tall Bud Lights to share stories and laughs at his many shenanigans. The family would be honored to direct donations in his name to the Arizona Humane Society.