Marion- Samuel L. “Sam” Chamness, 92 ½ of Marion, passed away at 7:46 AM, Monday, August 13, 2018 at his home.
Sam was born on March 23, 1926 in Marion to Lee and Esther (Hunter) Chamness. He married Irene Ellis in 1945 and she preceded him in death in 1981. He married his beloved Delores “Ann” Rader on July 19, 1993 at the Franklin County Courthouse. She survives of Marion.
Sam served his country bravely during WWII while stationed in Germany with the US Army 818th Battalion. Once honorably discharged, he began his career with Goodyear as a line inspector in Akron, OH. After his retirement he returned to Illinois to be with his brothers. He remained active in his communities as a member of the American Steel Workers Union in Akron and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Marion. He was Baptist and attended whenever he could.
In his spare time he enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family, fishing for whatever was biting and bird watching. He enjoyed quiet times with his family, watching PBR rodeo bull riding and watching old westerns, especially those with John Wayne. He will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.
Survivors include-
Wife- Ann Chamness of Marion
Daughter- Brenda Alcorn and husband Gene of Navarre, OH
Step son- Mike Whiting and wife Sherry of Marion
13 grandchildren including-
Donna Rohr and husband Wayne
Mike Alcorn
Melinda Richardson and husband Brad
Scott Alcorn and wife Susana
Johnathon, Christopher and Tanner Alcorn
Chrissy Stein and husband Ryan
Angela McAnalley and husband James
Chris Whiting and wife Jennifer
Brad Whiting
Dawn Wroblewski and husband Justin
Chelsea Chamness
Many great grandchildren
2 great great grandchildren
Numerous nieces and nephews and close friends
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, sons- Martin, Tracy & Bruce, daughter- Mary Boyer and 4 brothers and 5 sisters.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2018 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Pastor Barbara Vaughn will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Marion VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Monday, August 20, 2018 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N Market St/ Marion, IL. 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.