Donald Chamberlain

Donald Wayne Chamberlain, age 93, of Pittsfield, IL passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL. He was born August 12, 1932, in Hardin Township, IL to Aaron E. ‘Bruz’ and Lucille A. Smith Chamberlain. Don married Mary Lou Harpole April 14, 1953, and she preceded him in death August 8, 2025.

Don was a 1950 graduate of Nebo High School and worked for GTE for two years following graduation. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a field wireman and was a member of the 45th Regiment Thunderbird Signal Division during his service in Korea. He was a proud veteran who continued to educate youth at Veteran’s Day programs in his great grandchildren’s schools and was honored to travel with his daughter on the Great River Honor Flight. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1954, Don returned home to the family farm in rural Nebo working as a grain and livestock farmer until his retirement in 2012. After retirement Don continued to supervise operations on the farm, making his way to the property daily to make sure things were running smoothly. Don could often be found in the company of his beloved English Shepherds who accompanied him on the farm along with his farm hand of 54 years, Wayne Rowley who he thought of as family. Don was a member of Nebo Christian Church and attended Pittsfield First Christian Church after moving to Pittsfield. He was an antique tractor collector, member of the Western Illinois County Tractor Club, member of American Legion Post #152, board member of Nebo Cemetery and Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp, and also enjoyed driving his 1948 red Dodge truck in local parades. Don was an avid nature lover who enjoyed hunting quail, searching for arrowheads, and working with his flowers, especially his zinnias and hibiscus. He loved traveling with his family on annual vacations but dearly cherished the many trips he and Mary Lou took together, one of their special trips was to South Korea where they visited Seoul, Beijing, and he took great delight in seeing the Great Wall of China. Don was a true gentleman, loving and devoted family man, generous and loyal friend, and could always bring a smile to your face with an amusing story or fond memory.

Don is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Dennis) Wade of rural Nebo, IL; granddaughters, Jaclyn Anne Baker of Pittsfield, IL and Lindsey Erin (Todd) Tedrow of Macomb, IL; grandchildren, Adeline Tedrow, Harrison Baker, Wesson Tedrow, and Christian Baker; brother-in-law, Merlin Carlton; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruz and Lucille Chamberlain; loving wife of 72 years, Mary Lou Chamberlain; brother, Gail (Patty) Chamberlain; sisters, Margaret Carlton and Evelyn (Bob) Einhaus; and nephew, Chris Chamberlain.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Pittsfield First Christian Church with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Nebo Cemetery in Nebo, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to MVCCC, Nebo Cemetery, or Pittsfield First Christian Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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