Roger "Chippy" E. McCleskey

Roger E. McCleskey, 71, of Sandwich, IL passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on September 5, 2026. Roger was born on October 20, 1954 in Dekalb, IL to Opal and Lorraine (Miller) McCleskey.

Roger (also known as Chippy) was high spirited and enjoyed fishing, hunting and being around his friends. Everyone knew Chippy, he always had a smile and was ready with colorful comments. He was a man that was very loved, could light up a room and make everyone laugh. Roger worked at a grocery store throughout high school and attended wrestling. In his younger days he stayed at the Crows nest which was on west sandwich road up until he built his own house in lake holiday with the help of a couple people he knew. He introduced his daughter to the best show ever "The Three Stooges "! He worked as a concrete finisher, brick/block layer and did tuck pointing for his own business McCleskey Construction. He was very proud of his concrete business and took pride in his workmanship. He treated his dogs Max and Bentley like they were his own children. Chippy loved his grandchildren and they loved him dearly. He enjoyed going to get Burger King for lunch and loved bringing his granddaughters donuts. When chippy wasn't busy you would see him taking long drives on the back country roads to find Deer. One of his favorites spots to hunt was mulberry Hill.

Chippy is survived by his daughter, Kailynn (Jayson) Darby; Grandchildren, Taytum, Hallie, Laci and Saige Darby; Sister, Linda (David “Dakota”) Hulne; Nieces, Cindy (Jeff) Weymouth and Maryann Soraparu; As well as a nephew, Thomas (Susan) Gifford.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Special thanks goes to Unity hospice for coming out and giving him the best care .

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. Guests are encourage to share their memories and stories they had with chippy during the service. We will be doing a toast at the end of the service in his honor!