Victor Neil Kingery

Victor Neil Kingery, age 78, of Hot Springs, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 19, 2017. He was born on Nov. 6, 1938, in Jewett, IL. son of the late James M. and Selvia Kingery. Victor graduated from Cumberland High School, Eastern Illinois University, and the University of Mississippi with advanced degrees in Physics and Chemistry. At EIU, he met his beloved wife Barbara Jean Royal, who survives. They were married August 17, 1961 in Mattoon, IL. Both were lifelong teachers and learners. Their lives centered around children, grandchildren, education, camping, family bonfires, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kingery of Hot Springs; one son and daughter-in-law, James Neil and Kellie Kingery of Hot Springs; two daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and Raymond Moushon of Morton, Illinois and Darlene and David Gentles of Pearcy; eight grandchildren, Lauren Gentles, Halo and Vito Selvaggio, Belle Moushon, Constance Moushon, Emily Gentles, Aurora Moushon, Prairie Moushon and Sara Kingery; one brother, Robert Kingery of Greenup, Illinois; two sisters, Margie Sparks of Florida and June Kingery of Terre Haute, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. Victor worked at home on the family farm in his early life. Grinning, he tells about winding up a nickel in the film so he would know to change the film reels when the nickel fell out at the Greenup, IL small town cinema where he was employed at age thirteen. The county fair in Greenup was a highly anticipated event. He belonged to the Christian Youth Group, worked his way through college, and belonged to the Chi Nu Physics fraternity. He enjoyed working with the National Science Foundation and the National Atomic Energy Commission, spending time setting up labs around the country, and teaching for just over 40 years. Mr. Kingery was a well-respected College Professor of Engineering Physics, Chemistry, Nursing Chemistry, Astronomy and Mathematics at National Park College. He began teaching in 1961, joining NPC in 1976, holding his first science classes in downtown Hot Springs churches while waiting for the campus to be built. Over the next 25 years in the profession, many students and colleagues became lifelong friends. He enjoyed people. Since retiring in 2001, Victor enjoyed chopping his own firewood, cultivating gardens, trading vehicles, fishing from his cabin, and visiting family. He was happiest when outside working with his hands. They attended Piney Grove United Methodist Church. Grandchildren enjoyed "pending the night" with Grandparents at the "Shack on the Lake" cabin that Victor built. Many happy memories of holidays, birthdays, and everyday life are treasured by his family. He was a faithful husband, a wonderful father, and a loving grandfather. He will be greatly missed until we gather again in Glory. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs. Interment will be in the Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday evening. Pallbearers will be James Kingery, David Gentles, Raymond Moushon, David Royal and Mike Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Kingery, Loyd Dean, Paul Thomas, George Tanner, George Rawlings, Vito Selvaggio and the faculty of National Park College. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to NPC Math & Science Scholarship Fund. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.