Obituary of Stephen Ray Chambers
Stephen Ray Chambers,
Stephen Ray Chambers, age 67, of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at Glenbrook Hospital. Stephen was born in on May 6, 1953, in McCrory, Arkansas, the son of the late Charles and Evelyn (nee Fowler) Chambers. He grew up in Indiana and was a graduate of Hammond High School. In 1970, Stephen took the oath and proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, in Tacoma WA, Fort Ord in Salinas, CA, and served 6 years in North Korea. A proud decorated Army Ranger, he earned an Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and was an accomplished Marksman before being honorable discharged in 1978. He retired in 2015 from United Stationers of Carol Stream, formerly Forest Park, as an Operations Manager after 36 years of dedicated service.
Stephen was an avid sailor who loved being on the open water with his wife Kathy. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and was a diehard Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Stephen had an outgoing, mischievous personality and loved spending time with family and friends. He was a hard worker who also believed that living life to the fullest was something that everyone should do. Stephen was known to go overboard with his decorating for both Halloween and Christmas for everyone to enjoy. He will be remembered as the life of the party and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of crossing his path.
Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Kathleen M. (nee Distasio) Chambers; his children, Tammy Chambers, Jenny Wake, and Michael Chambers; his stepchildren, Michael, and Patrick Gossett; nine grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; his devoted canine companion, “Lexie”; siblings, Charles (Connie) Chambers, Rita (Homer) Day, Tina (Rex) Morgan, and Rick (Mary) Chambers; and his sisters-in-law, Brenda and Barb Chambers. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he adored so much, also survive.
He is preceded by his parents; and his brothers, Jimmy, Larry, and Bruce Chambers.
Visitation for Stephen Ray Chambers will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of prayers at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2020, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, a 50 person capacity will be followed, face masks are required, and social distancing will be observed. Interment will be held privately by the family at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675-8516 would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com
