Neill Clugston

IN MEMORY OF: Neill Clugston Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Neill Clugston passed away on May 2, 2025. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home in Carbondale. He will be dearly missed. Neill was born on April 1, 1939, in Garden City, Kansas, to Andrew Neil Clugston and Velma Frances Steele Clugston. Neill loved growing up in Garden City with extended family nearby and wonderful childhood friends. He often reminisced about his travels and adventures during those happy days. On July 29, 1961, Neill married the love of his life, Bonnye Baril, in Pawnee, Illinois. Together, Neill and Bonnye celebrated 64 years of marriage and they were blessed with 3 daughters: Mindy, Sondra, and Nancy. As a newlywed, he honorably served in the Army Reserves, training at Fort Ord, California. Neill's life was deeply shaped by his faith. In November 1966, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he remained an active member and held several leadership positions. He gratefully served in the St. Louis, Missouri temple for 19 years . His unwavering belief in Jesus Christ guided his words and actions. With Bonnye by his side, Neill built a reputation in Murphysboro as a respected business owner. Together, they operated Able Dry Cleaners for 31 years and launched several ventures including Village Florist, Dairy Queen, and Safety Lock Storage. Their contributions helped shape the local business landscape. A strong community advocate, Neill actively took part in the Murphysboro Apple Festival, where his service earned him the distinguished Founders Day Award. His leadership continued as Executive Director of the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce and later as a finance committee member. Everyone who met Neill immediately felt welcome and comfortable. His kind words and great sense of humor always made people feel at ease. Neill was also an avid golfer, where he found camaraderie and joy on the green with longtime friends. Family was Neill's greatest happiness. He celebrated every achievement, large or small, of his children and grandchildren. He treasured time spent with them, cheering them on in life with great love. He is survived by Bonnye and their daughters—Mindy (Chuck) Lee and Sondra (Wendell) Jung, both of Highland, Utah, and Nancy Phipps of Round Rock, Texas. His legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren—Chelsea Alder, Mallory Green, Alexis Smith, Colette Cox, Max Lee, Matthew Jung, Ryan Jung, Kathleen Clarke, Sophie Phipps, Adam Phipps, Carson Phipps, and Logan Phipps—and 25 great-grandchildren who filled his life with joy. Services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7168 Old Highway 13, Carbondale, IL 62901. Neill’s legacy is one of love, faith, service, and community—a life well-lived and deeply treasured. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Murdale Gardens of Memory. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Neill Clugston

April 1, 1939 - May 2, 2025