- Date Of Birth: July 2, 1921
- Date Of Death: October 12, 2014
- State: Illinois
Ernest W. “Perk” Chumley, 93, of Jacksonville, IL died Sunday, October 12, 2014 at his home.
He was born July 2, 1921 in Jacksonville, the son of Thomas C. and Myrtle Cannon Chumley. He married FrancesAnn “Fran” Loomis on May 8, 1943 in Roswell, NM and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2005.
He is survived by two daughters, Susan Lynn McMillan (husband, Rock) of Cave Creek, AZ and Linda Woods Tucker of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Mindy Olson and Michael “Mikey” Woods, both of Jacksonville, Maura McMillan of Phoenix, AZ, Jeffry McMillan of Chandler, AZ, and Lyle McMillan (wife, Brandi) of Sandy, UT; six great grandchildren, Ashley and Abby Olson of Jacksonville, Tatum McMillan of Chandler, AZ, and Carter, Zak and Haley McMillan of Sandy, UT; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Eloise Ridder; and four brothers, Edwy, Paul (surviving wife, Clara of Jacksonville), Jim and Glenn Chumley.
Perk was a 1939 graduate of Jacksonville High School and attended the University of Illinois. He served five years of active duty with the US Army Air Corps during WW II and was held as a Prisoner of War for 13 months in Barth, Germany. He remained in the Air Force reserves for 27 years.
He returned to Jacksonville to work with his father, Thomas C. Chumley, in the construction business from 1945 to 1957. He worked full-time for the Illinois National Guard in Springfield from 1957 to 1976, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was employed by the State of Illinois as the business administrator for ISVI and ISD in Jacksonville, retiring in 1984 following eight years of service.
He was a life member of both the Jacksonville VFW Post #1379 and the American EX-POW National Organization. He was also a member of American Legion Post #279, Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge, all of Jacksonville.
He was a member for over 70 years and past master of Harmony Lodge #3 AF & AM and a member for over 60 years and past monarch of Zingabad Grotto. An avid golfer, Perk was well known for his craftsmanship in knitting over 1,900 Christmas stockings for family and friends.
