Richard Holland Chesnut

Richard “Dick” Holland Chesnut, 93 of Springfield, IL passed away while surrounded by his loving family on July 29th, 2025 at 5:20 PM CDT at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. He was born July 21, 1932 in Springfield, IL, to the late Nelson Hole Chesnut and Mildred Holland Chesnut. He married Gail Eby on June 6, 1953 in Bloomington, IL, she passed away on April 8, 2010.

Mr. Chesnut attended Dubois Grade School and Springfield High School; graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL in 1954. He was employed by the State of Illinois Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Determination Services for 35 years and as the Recorder of Ansar Shrine for an additional 13 years. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Illinois Wesleyan Alumni Association, Blue Key Honor Society, Night Hawks Dance Club (Past President), St. Paul’s Lodge #500, AF&AM (Worshipful Master in 1971), Valley of Springfield – Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ, Ansar Shrine (Recorder Emeritus), Ansar Hospital Unit, Past Master’s Unit, Senior Patrol, Royal Order of Jesters #20, Stephen A Douglas Chapter Order of the DeMolay, Springfield Preceptory Legion of Honor Order of DeMolay, Past Advisory Board member of Springfield Assembly #18 IORG, High Twelve Club, Depression Glass Club, AARP, and the Animal Protective League. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the IBT Sunday School class.

In addition to his beloved wife Gail, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Nelson Robert Chesnut.

He is survived by a daughter, Dianne (husband Eugene) Gyure of Springfield, IL; a granddaughter, Amanda (husband Kyle) Koestner of Springfield, IL; and a niece, Sister Mary Faustina “Melinda” Chesnut of East Peoria, IL.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL. Visitation will be held on Sunday August 3, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Masonic Services will be held at 5:00pm under the direction of St. Paul's Lodge #500 following the visitation. Funeral services will be held on Monday August 4, 2025 at 10:00am at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Roger Grimmett officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Masonic Section of Oak Ridge Cemetery, in Springfield, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Paul’s Lodge #500 Scholarship Fund. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.