CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Chester Neff, 91, died at 2:31, Saturday (Aug.10, 2024) at The Loft Nursing and Rehab facility surrounded by family.
Chester was born near Powelton, Illinois, November 21, 1932, the oldest of 13 children born to Harold Chapin Neff and Daisy Catherine Rogers. He married Betty Joan Lung on August 28, 1952, in Carthage, Illinois.
He is survived by his four children; David Neff of Champaign, Diane Neff of Normal-formerly of Champaign, Terry Neff of Monticello, Debra (Steve) Petersen of Bloomington, Three Grand-daughters; Ashley (Mike) Stevenson and Kelsey Petersen of Bloomington and Kat (Paula) Meyers of Madison ,WI.
Six Great Grandchildren, Kaleb Stevenson, Kali Stevenson, Myla Stevenson, Jayden Stevenson and Zoey Stevenson of Bloomington, Alexis Meyers, along with numerous nephews and nieces whom he adored as his own.
Also surviving are his sisters: Elizabeth Scott of Iowa, Lois (Jerry) Moore of Fort Worth, Texas, Beverly (Jim) Davis of Kahoka, Missouri and Catherine (Mike) Ballard of Danvers, Illinois and brother-in-law, Rex Mapes of Ohio and sister-in-law, Sherry Neff of Indiana and Sister-in-Law, Mary Lung, Springfield.
Surviving Brothers include; Elbert (Donna) Neff of Montrose, Iowa and Roger (JoAnn) Neff of Carthage, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife;, Betty, His brothers Arthur Neff and Henry Neff, and sisters; Carolyn Mapes, Margaret Freitag, Flora Neff, and Dora Vassaka . Chester Graduated from Carthage High School in 1950 and Western Illinois University at Macomb in 1955. He was employed for 37 years as a chemist by the Illinois State Water Survey, retiring August 6, 1992, as Principal Scientist and Acting Department Head. As a research scientist, Mr. Neff authored numerous publications on the mitigation of corrosion and scale with-in water using systems. He was a member of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, American Water Works Association, and Sigma XI and was a registered Professional Engineer in Illinois.
He was an active member of the Champaign-Urbana Jaycees from 1961 to 1969 and held many offices including local President and National Director. He was awarded a JCI Senatorship for his contributions to the Jaycees and his community. Mr. Neff also served as Scout Master for a Mentally Handicapped Boy Scout troop for several years and served as the 1972 Chairman of the Champaign County Heart Association. He was a past president of the Champaign County Freedom Celebration and Chairman of the 1976 Bicentennial Parade.
His favorite hobby was researching and publishing of family history and also archiving of family photos and video media. Chester’s most relaxing moments were fishing with anyone but mostly siblings, children and granddaughters.
Chester was a devout Christian and a member of the Windsor Road Christian Church of Champaign.
Condolences may be offered at Morgan Memorial Home.