John D. Chambers John's brave and inspiring journey battling leukemia reached its end on Wednesday, May 2, when he was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior. He was at home with his family, just as he wished, when he was rejoined with those loved ones who preceded him. His faith in God was not only his greatest blessing. It was also his greatest gift. Rather than see his struggle with leukemia as an affliction, he used it as another way to reach out to others. Anyone who saw John, saw a man of large stature. But those fortunate enough to know him, saw that his heart was twice the size. His ability to love without condition, to listen without judgment and to forgive without question was on daily display. His hearty laugh and jolly nature made him a quick friend to many throughout his life, as evidenced by the relationships he built over the last year with the doctors, nurses and caregivers, who watched over him - all of which were drawn to his gentle spirit and loving way. John was born on March 18, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended North Kansas City High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served his country from 1961 to 1965. Working as a Naval photographer, he was responsible for numerous photographs that documented significant events during the Civil Rights Era. He also spent many years building wonderful relationship through his work in management at the Sheltered Workshops in both Sedalia and Springfield, Missouri, and most recently as the owner of Child Support Collection Service, also in Springfield. John leaves his daughter, Jonna Choat of Springfield, Mo.; son, John D. Chambers II of Kansas City, Mo.; grandson, Brady Choat of Springfield, Mo.; mother, Maxine Liebmann of Ozark, Mo.; brother, Bob Chambers and his wife, Tammy, of Springfield, Mo.; two nieces, two nephews, one great-nephew and two great-nieces. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, May 7 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. A military burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in care of the funeral home.