Thomas Briggs
Mr. Ken was a great friend and mentor for about 16 years. I was always sad to see him go after his visits. He will be greatly missed.
Prayers for peace and comfort to the family. Tommy Briggs
Death date: Mar 7, 2019
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Mr. Kenneth G. Chalcraft, age 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, March 7, 2019 at his residence, The Blake at Edgewater, in Indian Land, SC. He was born in Peoria, IL, January 3, 1939.Ken was the son of the late Harold G. Chalcraft and Sarah L. Chalcraft. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated from the University of Tennessee. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army in the U.S. and Korea and was in the Army Reserves. Ken began his career with Caterpillar, Inc in Peoria and eventually became a nationally known expert in computer control of inventory and parts management systems. At the time of his death he was still active as a consultant in his chosen field.Ken was an American History buff and traveled extensively throughout his life researching wagon train trails and military fortifications. He accumulated an extensive library of books, maps and stories surrounding the multitude of places he visited. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing his learning with others. High school and college sports also filled a large part of Ken's life. He leveraged his personal skills and achievements as a high school and college player in football, basketball and baseball into an amateur coaching career in the Denver, CO area, where he spent the majority of his business career.Surviving are two sisters, Jane Heydanek and her husband, Dennis, of Fort Mill, SC and Judith Karr and her husband, Thomas, of Fairview, TX; a brother-in-law, Joseph Goeke of Litchfield, IL, husband of the late Joyce Chalcraft Goeke who preceded Ken in death. Visiting with his extensive nationwide network of family, friends, extended family and business associates provided Ken with immense pleasure and satisfaction.A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Ellery, IL prior to interment in Albion, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202; or, Reach Out and Read, 1285 Franciscan Drive, Litchfield, IL 62056.Read Obituary
Mr. Ken was a great friend and mentor for about 16 years. I was always sad to see him go after his visits. He will be greatly missed.
Prayers for peace and comfort to the family. Tommy Briggs
Not a more genuine and sincere gentleman! He made a boring subject interesting and his passion was contagious. I have a pen set that he custom made for me on my desk. I will miss my talks with Ken, because I've lost a friend, not a business partner...
Ken gave me a little Swiss Army knife that I passed on to my Son - so glad that I did that a few years ago and was able to tell Ken about it; it certainly made him proud.
Blessings,
Doug
Virginia
Love & prayers for God's peace to his entire family who he loved so much. I was privileged to accompany him on some of his Historical Journeys after reconnecting with him at a Maroa High School Alumni Banquet about 20 years ago. He became a precious friend and I miss him so much. Joyce Greeson Craig
I was taken back to hear that Ken had passed away, even though I knew his health had been in decline. Ken was very thoughtful, even taking time to come visit us, I think it was less than 2 yrs ago; we sure enjoyed catching up - after about 54 yrs, yes lots of fun conversations and meaningful memories made. We continued to stay in touch afterwards, as we could. My heartfelt condolences to Ken's family & friends. Hugs for my special friend (Jane) who lived just up the street.
I just learned of Ken’s passing and was shocked and so saddened. Ken was a fraternity brother of my ex-husbands and great friend of mine. I have so many memories of his kindness and caring to me.
Love to the entire family and especially to Ken.
Janice LaBoube