William Ray CHITTENDEN

William Ray Chittenden age 69, died at his home surrounded by his loving family, December 19, 2017. He was born February 1, 1948 in Marion, Kentucky. Bill and Janis (eighteen and seventeen years old) began their life together and were married on September 10, 1966 and were married for fifty-one beautiful years. Soon after they were married, Bill was drafted into the United States Army. Around the same time, Bill and Janis realized they were going to be parents. When their baby girl was twenty-one (21) days old, Bill left for Vietnam. Bill spent four (4) years in the Army, serving his country with honor and respect. Even though he earned two (2) purple hearts, one (1) bronze star with V device, he never felt worthy of them. Doing his job to the best of his ability was important. He was a private man, not talking about his experience much, telling people the kind of man he really was. As always, he had enormous respect for the military, the flag and our country, and what they stood for. He didn’t understand those who wanted to demean, what so many died for. He taught his children to always respect those things he held dear, to stand up for what they believe and to always do the right thing. Once he left the military, Bill became a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, to support them and the work they continue to do. When Bill’s Army days were over he and Janis had two (2) more children and made Missouri their home. To those who knew him, faith, family, friends, honesty, integrity and hard work were what made him so special. He loved his wife and children building a home filled with love, happiness and comfort. Their annual 4th of July picnics were a source of great memories for everyone lucky enough to participate. Forty-three years, worth of family, friends, fun and homemade ice cream. Everyone who knew Bill, loved him. So many nieces, nephews and others will always remember him as a mentor, father figure, best friend and awesome person. His quiet, understated demeanor, sense of humor will be sorely missed. Bill and Janis had a once in a lifetime special love that only grew stronger as the years went by. There are so many wonderful memories, so simple, so loving such as holding hands wherever they were together. For fifty-one years Bill and Janis held hands, telling each other daily of their love for one another. Even with death near, Bill’s constant love and devotion of Janis was clear to all. His fear was not of dying but leaving his wife alone. Bill asked his children, grandchildren and other family members to love and protect his wife. Bill’s last words to Janis were “I love you, I miss you already and don’t cry for me”. Janis told him she would hold his hand until Jesus came, then Jesus would hold his hand so he wouldn’t be alone. Bill took his last breath here on earth and took his first breath in Heaven. We who new him will miss him terribly but look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. Loving husband of wife Janis (Shelton) Chittenden. Loving father and father-in-law of Candi (Craig) Varone of St. Peters, MO, Michelle (Matt) Buehrle of O’Fallon, MO and Josh (Amber) Chittenden of St. Louis County, MO. Loving grandfather of Kody (Cortney), Alex, Briauna, Madison, Chelsea, Will and Joshua. Loving brother and brother-in-law of Carol Stroede of AZ, and Callie (John) Chadwell of KY. Loving Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Earline (nee Love) Chittenden, one sister and six (6) brothers. In honor of Bill’s memory, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-2805. StJude.org

William Ray CHITTENDEN

February 1, 1948 - December 19, 2017