Richard Chaplin Sr.'s Obituary
Richard L. Chaplin Sr. 87, of Vandalia, IL, formerly of Pana, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at The Haven of St. Elmo.
Per Richard’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 23, 2025 at Pana First Church of the Nazarene, Pana, IL, with Pastor Allen Ebbler and Pastor Wayne Clevenger officiating. Military Rites will be accorded immediately following the service by the Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will take place at a later date in Pinhook Cemetery, rural Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or to Got Your Six Support Dogs. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Richard Lee Chaplin was born on August 30, 1937 in Taylorville, IL, the son of Henry Lester and Ruth Isabelle (Seybert) Chaplin. He married Lila Marie Crigler on December 02, 1961. Together, they raised three children and celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Richard was raised on a farm and began his first job hauling milk for Prairie Farms in the early 50s. He enlisted in the United States Navy and, after his discharge, married the love of his life and started a family. Among being a husband and father, Richard worked various jobs, including farming, construction, Terminix, and the Hillsboro glass factory. Richard cherished the simple pleasures of life, such as cross-stitching, reading, and imparting life lessons to his grandkids.
He was a member of AMVETS and the Pana Pioneer Heritage Guild. As part of the Pana Honor Guard, he performed military honors for fallen comrades. He was also a devout member of the Pana First Church of the Nazarene.
Mr. Chaplin is survived by his wife, Lila Chaplin of Vandalia; daughter, Melinda “Sue” and husband David Denning of Vandalia; son, Richard Lee Chaplin Jr. and wife Crystal of Fredericktown, MO; son, Jarold Joseph Chaplin and wife Linda of Watson; sister, Ruth Ann and husband Bill Cope of Litchfield; sister, Sandra Kay Dilley of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Mike Chaplin, Catherine and husband Alex Ruebenacker, Richard Lee Chaplin III and wife Verenea, Daniel Chaplin, Joseph Chaplin, Cody Chaplin; great-granddaughter, Evangeline; many step-grandchildren and step- great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald Eugene Chaplin, Dale Edward Chaplin, Mary Louise Webb, Wilma Joyce Williams; grandson, Justin Chaplin; and an infant granddaughter, Tasha LeAnn Chaplin.
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