William Byron Chilton was born on June 14, 1944, in Gouverneur, New York, to Donald and Virginia (nee Hosmer) Chilton. After graduating from Gouverneur High School, Bill attended New York State University Agricultural and Technical College. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force. With his love for his country, he proudly served for twenty years until his retirement in 1985.
Bill, Cindy, and their children moved to Clearwater, where Bill began a second career at Honeywell, from which he retired in 2010.
They added to their family with Kyle (1986), followed by Craig (1989). Bill’s greatest love in life was his family. He was very involved with all of his kids’ activities, especially their sports. Throughout the years, he volunteered whenever he was needed on their teams.
For many years, Bill played softball, ending his “career” playing for First Lutheran’s co-ed team. He could still stretch to catch those balls on first base, had a strong bat, but his running slowed a bit. But enjoy playing, he did!
Bill also enjoyed traveling. Whenever he was stationed in one country, he would take time to visit the surrounding areas. His children have great memories from all of the family vacations. After learning to scuba dive, Bill and Cindy took several trips using their new skill. Again, what fun memories.
Bill and Cindy were on a long-anticipated vacation, and on May 12, had stopped in Tenerife, Spain. Unexpectedly, Bill was taken to be with our Heavenly Father. He is at peace with his Lord.
Bill is survived by his wife, Cindy; children Dean (Melissa), Julie (Benthel), Cecily (Ross), Derek (Stacy), Justin (Mykel), Kyle (Ashley), and Craig (Geer); grandchildren Branden, Dean, Jayden, Christian, Kelsey, Caelyn, Sasha, Andrew, Chloe, Gianna, Jackson, Asher, Marley, Myles, Quinn, and Lainey; great-grandchildren Zoey, Joey, and Asher; siblings Jerre (Carol), Donna, Judie (Martin), Bernard (Valerie), Pam, and Dean.
During his life on Earth, Bill made a big impact on our lives. He will be greatly missed. We look forward to the day when we join Bill in heaven with our Heavenly Father.
If you wish, memorial donations can be made in Bill’s memory to First Lutheran Church.