William "Chip" Camden Gass II

Chip was born in Salina, KS, to W.C. “Cam” and Arlene Gass. He married Michelle Buelt in 1995, and they later divorced. He graduated from Rock Island High School and attended Black Hawk College. He worked for the State of Illinois for 31 years, retiring in 2022. He began his employment within the Illinois Secretary of State’s office and retired from Central Management Services. Chip was a dedicated public employee throughout his tenure with the State.

He was also very spirited about politics and active participant in many campaigns throughout the years. Chip was a very active member of the communities he had lived in (Rock Island, Moline, and Springfield) and served in various capacities throughout his life. He was a former member of the following: AFSCME Council 31 Retirees, St. Paul’s Lodge, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Springfield, Project NOW Community Action Agency, Teamster 119, SEU Local 3, Illinois Restaurant Association, South Park Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Chip also advocated for developmentally disabled adults and participated in the EPIC Home Host program. His pride and joy were his daughters. Chip also cherished his time with former Alderman Joe McMenamin, the Harris Family, the Schneekloth family, various dignitaries, elected officials, friends, and neighbors.

Chip is survived by two daughters, Olivia Darby and Cecilia Gass, both of Springfield; and his brother, David (Kim) Gass of Moline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. “Cam” Gass and Arlene Gass; and David Friend.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Masonic Rites will be provided at the beginning of the Ceremony.