Neil W. Perington's Obituary
ASHMORE, IL - Neil W. Perington, age 81 of Ashmore, Illinois, died at his home on Friday, December 27, 2013 while in the loving and comforting presence of his family. He had been under the care of Lincolnland Hospice for many weeks. A Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held for one hour prior to the Memorial Service. Inurnment Services at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston will be private. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Lincolnland Hospice, American Cancer Society Illinois Chapter or to a charitable organization of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Neil was born July 12, 1932 in Zion, Illinois, a son of the late Philip and Marguerite (Smith) Perington. He was united in marriage with Mildred Myers on June 24, 1956 at the Ashmore, Illinois Presbyterian Church. In addition to Mildred, his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Neil is survived by two sons, Ronald of Memphis, Tennessee and Mark (Stephanie) of Des Moines, Iowa; and a daughter-in-law, Julie of Boulder, Colorado. He was preceded in death by a son, Philip. His grandchildren include, Madison Perington of Des Moines, Charles Perington of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jacob and Samuel Perington, also of Des Moines, and Isaac and Ella Perington of Boulder. He is also survived by a sister, Lorraine (Jack) McDowell of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, a brother, L. Lee (Barbara) Perington of Maple Park, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Vera (Ross) Ranzau of Lake Mills, Wisconsin and Nola Myers of Fort Fairfield, Maine; along with several nieces and nephews and their families. Neil was a 1957 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering. At the U. of Illinois he was a member of the marching band and in 1951 participated in the Rose Bowl Parade and Rose Bowl game. Following his service in the U.S. Army in 1954-56, he returned to the U. of Illinois to complete his degree, and then accepted the position of project engineer with Modine Manufacturing in Racine, Wisconsin. Their three sons were born while the family lived in Racine. Neil was active in supporting the YMCA swim team and Indian Guides programs as well as serving as a Deacon and Elder in the First Presbyterian Church. In 1971, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where Neil was the office and sales manager for the B.G. Peterson Company. He remained active in the Presbyterian Church and with his son's school activities - he never missed a swim meet or musical event when they were involved. In 1992, he and Mildred retired and moved to the Ashmore area where they built a home on her family farm. He enjoyed planting many walnut and pine trees on the land and spending his hours outdoors on the acreage. The most enjoyable moments were the family gatherings at their home and the ""Papa tractor rides"" he gave their grandchildren through the wooded areas. With retirement he joined the Ashmore Presbyterian Church, was active in the choir, and continued to serve as an elder. He and Mildred enjoyed many memorable trips in their camper to various National Parks in Canada and the United States. A special musical moment for Neil was singing the ""Star Spangled Banner"" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on a rehearsal night in Salt Lake City. Neil was a quiet and soft-spoken individual, but the way in which he lived his life with its focus on faith and family, spoke volumes to all who knew and loved him.
What’s your fondest memory of Neil?
What’s a lesson you learned from Neil?
Share a story where Neil's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Neil you’ll never forget.
How did Neil make you smile?