Richard H. Chockley, age 78, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born August 5, 1941 near Mt. Sterling, Illinois, the son of William and Irene Russell Chockley. On September 16, 1961, he married Sharon Douglas in Plymouth, Illinois. They celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Mr. Chockley was a graduate of Augusta, Illinois High School. He was a lineman for Western Illinois Electric Coop for 37 years, retiring in 2007. Dick was an avid car enthusiast, and was always reading up on the latest vehicles. He enjoyed detailing his own vehicles and keeping them spotless. He also enjoyed grooming his lawn and flower garden. He was a caring husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed his five grandsons, and would make them a fresh glass of tea, whenever they walked in the door. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. His smile and laughter brought joy to all who were around him.
Some of his favorite moments in his life were when those who loved him called him Papa, and would grab his hand and give him hugs. He had nick names for all those who were special to him. He enjoyed visiting with his friends at FS and previously the Hurry Back Café to discuss the local events, but never gossiped. That would be what be what the ladies would do. He loved road trips with his wife and family down numerous country back roads. He would often tease saying that he was lost. He knew those country roads like the back of his hand. He and Sharon loved trips to Branson for the shows and Wisconsin for German food. Later road trips were more local with day trips to Mt Sterling for lemon ice cream. He was a practical joker who loved playing jokes on his family and friends.
He was a member of the Stronghurst City Council for 12 years. He was a member of the Oquawka Masonic Lodge. He volunteered his time for the Henderson County Fair Grounds and the Stronghurst Baseball diamonds preparing the lighting each year. He was a Deacon at the Raritan Baptist Church for several years then transitioned his membership to the the Stronghurst Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, one son, Eric (Peggy) Chockley of Stronghurst, one daughter, Sharie (Bob) Harden of Stronghurst, five grandsons, Justin (Emily) Harden, Abe (Ashley) Chockley, Andy (Lauren) Chockley, Cody (Laura) Harden, Nathan (Allison) Harden, eight great grandchildren, Olive Rose, Elaine Maria, and Adelle Jane Harden, Jacob Henry, Wesley Clyde, and Andrew David Chockley, Jonathan Robert and Daniel Brayton Harden, and two sisters, Mary Twaddle of Carthage, IL and June Hendrickson of Ursa, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William Chockley.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family graveside services will be held Friday, May 8th in the Stronghurst Cemetery. There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst Christian Church and the Stronghurst Village Park. Memorials may be sent in care of Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 299, Stronghurst, IL 61480. Please visit Richard’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence and sign the guest book.
