Obituaries

Russell Lee Chambers

May 14th, 1937 – January 25th, 2024

Russell Lee Chambers, 86, of Ipava, IL, passed away at 9:10 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born on May 14, 1937 in Bernadotte, IL, the son of Howard and Alice (Chenoweth) Chambers. Lee married Merry Koelling on March 26, 1960 in Smithfield, IL. He was later with significant other, June Brooks. June preceded Lee in death on May 2, 2014.

Also preceding him in death is his daughter; Vicki Chambers, son; Trent Chambers, two grandsons; Joey Cheatham and Brandon Shaw, two brothers; Frank Chambers and Richy Chambers, and two sisters; Connie Fields and Geraldine “Sis” Myers.

Survivors include his two daughters; Tonya Hilliard of Bushnell, IL, and Tammy (and Cole) Younger of Grover Beach, CA, one son; Troy (and Laura) Chambers of Burlington, IA, six grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, one brother, Larry (and Elaine) Chambers of Bernadotte, three sisters, Dorla Helle of Cuba, IL, Judy (and Rollin Rumler) Rench of Canton, IL, and Lynn (and Roy) Spangler of Bernadotte, and several nieces and nephews.

Lee was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1956 to 1959.

He first worked for Penn Central Railroad before working for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad where he retired from in 1999.

He was a member and former commander of the Ipava American Legion Post 17, a fifty-year member of the Ipava Masonic Lodge and a member of the Ipava Christian Church. Lee enjoyed mowing grass, tinkering with things in the garage and being apart of things at the Legion. He was a proud Marine and loved to brag about the Marine Corps.

Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Brant Reed will be officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the Ipava American Legion Post 17. Masonic Rites will be held by the Ipava Masonic Lodge. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery. A meal will be held at the Ipava American Legion following interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences

January 27th, 2024

Lee was one of kind. I am so glad to have had the opportunity and privilege of calling him a neighbor and a friend. Lee you are greatly missed already. God Speed my friend and when my day comes I can't wait to sit on the porch and chat with you again

January 27th, 2024

Lee was very helpful to me when I was commander of post 17 and a good friend always. A good man with a loving caring soul. Rest in peace buddy you have earned your rest.

January 27th, 2024

I knew Lee through the Legion, he was a great asset to it, was a friendly and wonderful person. Mark and Cyndy Waller

January 27th, 2024

So very sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for the family. - Dan and Kathy Herrick

January 27th, 2024

So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Norma Meehan

January 27th, 2024

Lee was a great co-worker at Burlington Northern in West Burlington. Always had a story to tell.

January 27th, 2024

So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family. Lee was a good friend. We spent a lot of fun times together in younger years and always kept in touch over the years and got together when we could. Lew and Betty Behymer Rest In Peace Lee

January 27th, 2024

We always enjoyed visiting with him down at Bernadotte Cafe. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Keith & Christy Lehman

January 27th, 2024

Praying for all of you may you find comfort and peace. Ronda and Brad Kluthe

January 27th, 2024

So sorry..thinking of you Larry..prayers and hugs.Bob and Rett Mummert

January 27th, 2024

Going to miss visiting with him. He was a great man & friend.

January 28th, 2024

Lee was a great guy .... I went to school and was over at his house all the time playing Army and football in the front yard as me and Troy whipped up on the Hadsall boys .. He served and loved his country

January 28th, 2024

Lee was a great guy .... I went to school with his son and was over at his house all the time playing Army and football in the front yard as me and Troy whipped up on the Hadsall boys .. He served and loved his country. We will miss him STEVE and Tyler Shutter

January 28th, 2024

So sorry for the family's loss. The Chambers, Martindales and Piggs go way back. He will be missed. Doug and Cheryl Martindale

January 28th, 2024

So sorry for your families loss of this wonderful man.

January 29th, 2024

So sorry for the families loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Lee. Judy Wilson

January 29th, 2024

This truly breaks my heart. You will be truly missed Uncle Lee. Love you ❤️❤️
Kim Mauro and family

January 30th, 2024

Tammy, Troy and Tonya sorry for your loss Rodney Beck VIT class of 1980 and U.S. Navy retired.

January 31st, 2024

So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family.

January 31st, 2024

From Linda Kidd