One of the great TV newsmen in Chicago history passed away last night. John Drury, who had been battling Lou Gehrig’s disease for several years, passed away at his home in Wheaton at the age of 80.

Drury anchored and reported for WBBM-TV, WGN-TV, and WLS-TV during his long career in this city.

A number of media outlets are offering their tributes: Ch.7, Ch. 2, Trib, Sun-Times,  Ch. 5.

Here’s Feder’s take:

John Drury, whose authoritative delivery and warm demeanor made him one of Chicago’s most honored and beloved newsmen for more than 40 years, lost his long battle Sunday with a progressive muscle disease.

Mr. Drury, who was 80, died of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Chicago has lost a truly great broadcaster.