Television anchor Drury was 'consummate journalist

Longtime Chicago television anchor John Drury died at his home in Wheaton after a long battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, said Jennifer Graves, a vice president at Chicago's ABC 7.

The Peoria-born Drury began working as a news anchor for ABC 7's 10 p.m. newscast in 1984, retiring in 2002. He also worked earlier for several other Chicago television stations, including WGN. Drury started his broadcasting career in 1955 at WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee.

"John passed away peacefully this evening at his home surrounded by his family," a Sunday statement from his family said. "Not only did he fight ALS, he gave back to the community by raising awareness to this disease."

Former colleagues praised the celebrated newsman's professionalism and storytelling skills.

According to ABC 7 President and General Manager, Emily Barr, "John was the consummate journalist -- driven, passionate about telling the truth and of course, a great communicator. Throughout his 50-year career, viewers trusted him to deliver the news with fairness and accuracy and he never let them down. He was a wonderful, caring man who conducted himself with grace, loved to laugh and always made others feel at ease. All of us who worked with him are richer for having had the opportunity to be his colleague and his friend. We miss him and wish his devoted wife Ann and his family peace."

ABC 7 colleague and friend Kathy Brock said, " 'Gracious gentleman' are two words that personify John Drury. He took his job seriously but not himself, John's hearty laugh was infectious. He was a man of boundless curiosity and talents."

Alex Burkholder, ABC 7 writer/producer, who worked with Drury for much of his career said, "John was a great man, a great journalist and a great person to work with. More than just an anchorman, he did it all and felt tremendous pride in the substantial body of investigative work he amassed during his career. John took the 10:00 p.m. news to the top of the heap, and I believe we're still benefiting today from the equity he built then. He will be missed."

In 2003, Drury was diagnosed with ALS. He is survived by Ann, his wife of 19 years, his four children as well as 10 grandchildren. His first wife Marjorie Drury died in 1987.

Services for John Drury will be private.