Richard M. Chambers

Richard Marion Chambers passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Francis Marion and Mary Francis (Burketta) Chambers on September 12, 1934 in Peoria. He married Beverly Ann Engle at St. Boniface Catholic Church on January 15, 1955.

Left to cherish the many happy memories he helped to create are his loving wife, Beverly (Engle) Chambers and his children: Cindy (Jim) Churchill, Randy Chambers, and Lindy (Randy) Routt, all of Bartonville; Wendy Connell of Peoria; Crystal (Jim) Swearingen of Hanna City and Kellie (Tim) Lester of Edwards. Also carrying on his legacy are 27 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and one brother, James (Ruth) Chambers of Torrance, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers and an adult brother.

Richard worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 32 years, retiring as a Purchasing Clerk in 1984. He also worked at the Ivy Club for many years. He was a member of the St. Boniface Men’s Club, and was Treasurer of the bowling league there as well. An avid fan of the marching band at Limestone Community High School, he and his wife, along with several other couples established the LCHS Band Boosters in 1982. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America and a lifelong member of St. Boniface and St. Ann Catholic Church.

He was a role model as a father; a loving husband, grandfather and uncle; and a devout Catholic. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family; Cardinals baseball; a good game of cards; shootin’ the breeze; and entertaining anyone who would listen with his trusty harmonica or banjo. He especially enjoyed yearly trips to Sandy Beach in Wisconsin Dells, to celebrate his birthday. He traveled there to celebrate 50 years of marriage, in 2005, with his entire family.

We will celebrate his life and love of baseball during the evening visitation by wearing our St. Louis Cardinals apparel. Please feel free to join us in wearing your favorite baseball team attire.

Visitation will be held 5 – 7 pm Tuesday, July 26, at Davidson-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Additional visitation will be Wednesday, July 27, one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. mass at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1010 S. Louisa St. in Peoria. Fr. Terry Cassidy will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.

Private family burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made to St. Ann Parrish Hall or Camp Big Sky.

Please view Richard’s obituary and share your memories online at www.Davison-FultonBartonvilleChapel.com.