Edward H. Chant, Jr.

Edward H. Chant, Jr. left us after a very short illness while living independently until a week before going to heaven to be with our mother Junia. Dad was surrounded by his loving family at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL when he passed away in his sleep on June 26. Ed was a great man. Ed loved his family more than anything. He took total and loving care of our Mom for over thirty years following her debilitating long term illness. Born to Edward and Gladys (Bowie) Chant on November 14, 1930 in Chicago, IL where the family lived on Strong St. before the family spent a short time in Los Angeles during WW II. Traveling alone with his sister Peggy as a 14 old teenager on the move back to Chicago there was a layover in Las Vegas. Dad won 35 Silver Dollars in a slot machine in the bus station and had to run with his winnings because he was underage. He graduated from Taft High School after the return to Chicago. He graduated from Millikin University with a BS degree in Engineering Administration in 1952 and also starred at center, linebacker, and kicker on the Big Blue football team. He was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Editor and Business Manager of his Senior college yearbook. Soon after his graduation he met and married the love of his life, Junia Elaine Grimm. Ed planned a career in the US Navy that was cut short by an honorable medical discharge. He then started a new successful career working in manufacturing with Continental Can Company, Arnold Engineering, Magnetic Core, and then back to Arnold Engineering. He retired from Arnold Engineering in 1991 in Marengo, IL where the family lived most of Dad’s adult life. Ed served on the Marengo Zoning Board for many, many years. Mom and Dad also lived in Des Plaines, IL, Mequon, WI, and Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Mom and Dad were members of Zion Lutheran Church in Marengo from 1959 -1970 and 1974 until 2015. In 2015 Ed and Junia moved to Fairhope, AL where they were members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Dad was quick with a witty and smart joke until the very end. He loved golf, bowling, and gardening. Most of all Dad lived for his family. He set an example to all of us fulfilling his wedding vows above and beyond, offering great advice, always remembering every birthday, anniversary, and Christmas for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren along with a most generous check. A child of the depression Dad was frugal and saved stuff because “You never know -You might need that someday.” He still had the Silver Dollars mentioned above in the Las Vegas episode. Mom and Dad loved to travel and they enjoyed many wonderful winters in Marco Island, Florida, Arizona, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and California. Dad was a devoted father to Scott (Liz) Chant of Maineville, OH and Cathie (Robert) Walton of Fairhope, AL. Grandpa was a loving Grandfather to Rebecca (Neal) Quinn, Rob (Katie) Walton, Karen Chant (Marc Justus), Sarah (Ty) Ford, Tom (Rachael) Chant, and Sarah (Greg) Nicoll. Ed was a doting Great Grandfather to Elaine, Michael, Anna, and Thomas Quinn, Easton, Caroline, and Baby Walton, Saylor Ann and John Tyler Ford, and Cora Justus. He was also a beloved Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters Betty Halabrin and Peggy Fry. Services were held June 28 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fairhope, AL officiated by Pastor William Parsons III. Donations in Dad’s memory may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, 412 Jackson Street Marengo, IL 60152 zionmarengo.net or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 200 South Section St Fairhope, AL 36532 redeemerfairhope.org You may also remember our Dad by living as he did - always loving his family and setting a great example of honor, commitment, and fidelity for all of us. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD. FAIRHOPE AL. 36532 (251) 990-7775