Martin L. "Pepper" Chambers

Martin L. "Pepper" Chambers, 79, of Pleasant Plains, died at 9:32 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at his home. Martin was born December 30, 1938 in Carlisle, Iowa, the son of Ralph D. and W. Elizabeth (Dinges) Chambers. He married Gladys Sybil Tolliver on December 22, 1957; she preceded him in death on April 12, 1982. He then married Barbara Jean (Ratliff) Willis on January 1, 1983 in Pleasant Plains. Martin attended New Berlin High School, prior to entering the U.S. Navy. He was proud of his service to our country and was honored to have participated in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. He retired from Keith King Farms after more than 40 years of service. He went on to work at the truck stop in New Berlin, Charlie Winkler Farms, and for Steve Woodrum farming. Martin was a former volunteer at the Clayville Historic Site. He loved fishing and playing games with his grandchildren, caring for livestock, salvaging copper, and picking blackberries. He also enjoyed watching John Wayne western movies and Jeopardy. Martin was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith L. Chambers; and infant sister, Beverly Chambers. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Chambers of Pleasant Plains; daughter, Deborah (Tom) Diers of Springfield; three step-daughters, Kim (Gary Yokie) Willis of Houston, TX, Kara (Robert) Kummerow of Elmhurst, IL, and Krista (Timothy) Holst of Grayslake, IL; grandchildren, Dustin (Jammi) Smock, Travis (Kala) Atchison, Sr., Ashley Atchison, William Yokie, Kayla (Andrew) Hilliker, Codi Holst, and Darcy Kummerow; seven great-grandchildren, Travis Jr., Bryce, Ayiana, Zaiden, Addyson, Korbyn, and Gabriel; a sister, Mary Lou (Jerry) Lynch of New Berlin; and several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church, 205 W. Church Street, Pleasant Plains. Funeral Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church with Pastor John Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Plains Cemetery with military honors provided by Department of Defense and American Legion Post #599. Memorial contributions may be made to: Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church, 205 W. Church Street, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703, or Pleasant Plains Fire Protection District, 611 Buckeye Road, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677.