Neil Wesley Eash, age 87, of Oakwood Hills, IL, passed away on September 8, 2025. He was born February 10, 1938 in Chicago, IL to his loving parents, C. Harold and Ethel (née Sherman) Eash.

Neil graduated from Defiance College and served in the Air Force Reserves before embarking on a long and dedicated career as a civil engineer. He specialized in parking lots, traffic patterns, and streetscape design, working for a number of well-known firms and eventually owning his own engineering company for about ten years. He worked with the Village of Schaumburg until reluctantly retiring in 2019.

Neil met the love of his life, Karen, on a blind date on September 3, 1963. The two married a year later and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, just days before his passing. He was a loving, devoted, and proud husband and father to her and their two children.

The civil engineer in him showed everywhere. Whether coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams, leading Scout adventures (and proudly serving as Scout Wreath Dad, filling the garage with a wonderful smell, and Girl Scout Cookie Mom), planning family camping trips across the country, or working on his beloved N-scale model trains, Neil approached it all with precision and heart. He could pack a car and camper like a puzzle master, load a dishwasher with flawless efficiency, and fix any gadget—broken or not—often with the help of a trusty bungee cord.

A quiet yet constant source of support, Neil was always there for his family through life’s inevitable bumps, offering steady guidance, dry humor, and unwavering love. He was also a loyal supporter of Karen’s sewing business, sometimes even earning the tongue-in-cheek title of “Employee of the Month.” In retirement, he embraced golf with the same methodical approach that defined so much of his life.

Neil instilled in his family an unshakable work ethic and a spirit of perseverance. He faced every challenge, including Parkinson’s in his final years, with the same strength and humor that carried him through life. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love and example will remain a lasting guide to those who knew and loved him.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Donald M. Eash. He is survived by his wife, Karen (née McKeeman) Eash; son, David (Michelle) Eash; daughter, Lori Pelinski; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00pm until funeral service with military honors at 7:00pm, Monday, September 15, 2025, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. Rev. Tim Perry will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.