Gary Lee Chilton

Gary Lee Chilton was born September 11, 1953, in Salem, Missouri to Oscar Cecil and Thelma Louise (Ard) Chilton. He grew up in Salem and graduated with the class of 1971 from Salem High School. After high school, Gary followed his enthusiasm for automobiles and went to Auto Mechanic School. Gary was united in marriage to Beulah on June 3, 1989 in Salem, Missouri. To this union, they were blessed to share six children and thirty-three years of love and memories. Gary was a great father who laid down a Godly foundation for his children. He was a hard worker who took great pride in providing for his family. Gary treasured every moment of "making memories" with his loved ones. Gary's working years started at a Stave Mill followed by Floyds Charcoal for fifteen years. In 1995, he bought Personal Touch Dry Cleaning, a service Gary owned and operated for the last twenty-eight years. He also had a side business, Chilly's Paint and Detail Shop, which Gary greatly enjoyed because of his passion for cars. His enthusiasm, talent, and skill allowed him to enjoy countless hours building, painting, or just tinkering on cars. Gary enjoyed cruising and attending car shows. He was a member of the Current River Cruisers. He and Beulah enjoyed going out to eat and taking a car ride. Gary was a Minister of the Gospel since 1980 and a longtime member of Salem Full Gospel. He served as an Elder for twenty-eight years, Interim Pastor for two years, Youth and Children's Church Director, Board Member, bus driver, Preacher, teacher, and musician. He also served as a Supply Preacher for various churches. His passion centered around helping the local church and encouraging hurting people. Gary entered into eternal rest February 12, 2023, in Rolla, Missouri at the age of sixty-nine years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, loving wife: Beulah Chilton of Salem, MO; children: Shelly Conway and husband Carl of Salem, MO, Larry Chilton and fiancé Cindy McMullin of Salem, MO, and Michael Chilton of Charleston, MO; step-children: Thomas McDaniel of Salem, MO, Becky Yeargan and husband Chris of Ash Grove, MO, and Julie Varns and husband Rick of Whitestown, IN; sister: Marilyn Redman; brothers-in-law: Carl Plank and Butch Koper; grandchildren: Corey, Jordan, Amber, Jake, Hunter, Rachel, Savannah, Anna, Carter, Claudia, Ava, and Jaxson; great-grandchildren: Adlee, Oakley, Michael, Emma, KJ, Bentley, Demi, and Liam; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, his father: Oscar Chilton; mother: Thelma Chilton Myers; granddaughter: Chelsea Nickles; siblings: Dorothy West, Glenda Plank, James Chilton, Faye Koper, and infant sister Shirley Chilton. Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Gary Lee Chilton were held Friday, February 17, 2023 at Salem Full Gospel Church with Pastor Bill Stack officiating. Special Music was provided by Sheri Stack. Serving as Pallbearers were Carter Chilton, Corey Nickels, Jacob Varns, Hunter Yeargan, Jaxson McDaniel, Kyle Wofford, John Mitchell, and Jackson Darby. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Gary Chilton to Project Win and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available.

Gary Lee Chilton

September 11, 1953 - February 12, 2023