Neil Leonard Chambers Jr., 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 1:42 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.
Neil was born August 18, 1941, in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Neil L. and Molly M. (Childers) Chambers, Sr. After graduating from high school, Neil went on to serve in the US Army from November 27, 1963, until he was honorably discharged on November 12, 1965. He married Darlene Brenda Kratzer on July 26, 1968, in Greenville, Illinois. Neil worked for Butler Mfg. as a welder for many years, retiring in 2003.
Neil is survived by his wife of 56 years, Darlene of Galesburg; two daughters, Carolyn Callaghan of Cullowhee, North Carolina and Nicole (Ed) Mann of Peoria, Illinois; one son, Raymond Chambers of Knoxville, Illinois; and one sister, Norma Bowers of Rock Island, Illinois. Neil is also survived by his beloved six grandchildren, Noa Clark, Kayla Chambers, Ty Chambers, Drew Callaghan, Simon Mann, and Will Callaghan. Neil was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John; and three grandchildren.
In his younger years, Neil enjoyed being a gentleman farmer, having a small number of livestock. He loved working outdoors and mowed many yards after retirement from Butler. Neil and Darlene were faithful members of Harmony Baptist Church.
Cremation will be accorded. Private family burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Harmony Baptist Church, Cullowhee Baptist Church, of Gordon Behrents Senior Center. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
