Obituary of Kevin C. Neville

Kevin C. Neville, 63, passed peacefully on May 2, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 1, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to Charles “Chuck” and Gerrie Neville. Kevin grew up in Libertyville, IL with his sisters Debbie, Kathy, Arlene, and Darlene.

Kevin went to Saint Joseph’s Elementary School before attending Libertyville High School where he was a wrestler and football player. After graduating, he attended Western Illinois University where he was captain of the rugby team. In college, he met the love of his life, Jan Snap while Kevin was a teaching assistant for Jan’s economics class. They reunited over Spring Break a few months later after finding themselves both on crutches. The two were married on March 30, 1985 and settled in Long Grove, IL where they brought home three children, Travis, Carly, and Corbin, before eventually moving to Lake Forest, IL.

Kevin had a rich career. A natural salesman, he successfully capitalized on the .com boom, selling virtual conferencing before moving into digital marketing. From there his entrepreneurial spirit led him to acquire and grow Bellwether Software as owner and CEO. Kevin was a natural leader, mentor, and caring manager. His entrepreneurial pursuits stretched far beyond his company. Kevin enjoyed acquiring and fixing up boats and managing many rental properties. His extended side hustles brought him a sense of joy and fulfillment. The man loved to be busy, but despite this entrepreneurial drive, his family always came first.

Kevin was an incredible husband. His devotion to his wife, Jan was pure and inspiring. Their love was Christ-centered. Throughout their marriage, they had many adventures together traveling the world. They traveled to eighty-one countries with highlights including Uganda, Vietnam, Israel, and the Patagonia region. They recently returned from a trip to Jordan where they were trapped in a dust storm in Wadi Rum, rode camels into Petra, and visited many biblical sites. Their travels brought them many new friendships across the globe. Their trip to Uganda was particularly impactful - it inspired Kevin and Jan to build deeper connections with the places they visited by investing in local, community-based initiatives.

Kevin came from a large family, growing up with - and sometimes terrorizing - his four sisters. To keep Kevin busy and out of his sister’s hair, Kevin spent many summers with his late grandparents Norm and Linneah in Lake Geneva, WI. His grandfather instilled in Kevin a love of four-season fishing that became his greatest passion after his family. Kevin was a master fisherman. His pursuits lay mainly in the lakes and waterways in Northern Chicagoland and Wisconsin. His goal was always Northern Pike or Largemouth Bass. This past summer he landed the largest Northern Pike of his career and a few years ago caught the largest Bass we’ve ever seen. Kevin passed on his love of fishing to his sons who continue to enjoy all his best fishing spots. Kevin’s lifelong dream of living on a lake was realized in the last few years of his life. He was so blessed that he was able to enjoy fishing from his own backyard. The day after Christmas this year, Kevin and his family spent a particularly special day out on the lake ice fishing and ice skating due to an early thick freeze. It was Kevin’s definition of a perfect day.

Kevin was a caregiver and always put the needs of his family before his own. His family, especially his children, knew they could always call him to help resolve any challenge. He was a dedicated father and raised his children to be good people, live life in the way of Jesus, and love the outdoors. His positive role in shaping his children manifested itself in his children’s love of fishing, entrepreneurial pursuits, and focus on family.

Kevin also attentively cared for his and Jan’s parents in their later years and made sure they were fixtures in his own children’s lives. He always called to sing happy birthday to his sisters and was a dedicated uncle and godfather to many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will always remember Kevin as the physical embodiment of health and fitness. In his early twenties, he completed the Berkebeiner cross-country ski race three times. He ran five miles every day, held fast to a disciplined diet for decades, and was regimented in his commitment to fitness. Despite his focus on his health, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Clear-Cell Renal Kidney Cancer and after a seven-week battle, the Lord decided to bring him home.

Kevin was the beloved husband of Jan Snap-Neville and the loving father of Travis (Lily Nachinson) Neville, Carly (Dan Murphy) Neville, and Corbin Neville. Dearest brother of Debbie (Carl) Drake, Kathy Neville, Arlene (Dave) Rose, and Darlene (Kent) Yandell.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. at Mc Murrough Funeral Chapel - 101 Park Pl, Libertyville, IL 60048. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Lake Forest - 100 N Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GoFundMe to offset the family’s medical expenses.

Info: Mc Murrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626 and https://libertyvillefuneralhome.com/