My Family Tree

Find A Grave Memorial# 75121528
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George was born to George Alva Chatfield Sr. and Tommie Birdsong Chatfield in Miami, Fla., on May 17, 1933, graduating from Coral Gables High School in 1951. He attended college at the University of Florida and received a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry.

He was a member of the Air Force ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1955, beginning a lifelong military career. In 1956, he graduated first in his class from pilot school. He served a year-long tour in Osan, Korea, as a fighter pilot, flying the F86-F Sabre. He later joined the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron and flew the KC135, in which he logged more than 15,000 hours of flight time.

In 1960, while stationed at Fairchild AFB, he met and married his wife, Shirley. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last summer.

Stateside, his service in the Air Force took him to Fairchild AFB, Roswell AFB, Little Rock AFB, Grand Forks AFB, Wright Patterson AFB, and Pease AFB. Among other duties, he was the squadron commander for the 922nd AREFS, Tanker Task Force Commander, and the Air Force Advisor to the Air National Guard. His foreign tours of duty included stays in Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Guam, Wake Island, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, The Azores, Spain, England, Canada, and Scotland.

He was the recipient of two Air Medals and three Air Force Commendation medals. He retired in 1984 as a colonel.

While traveling across the country in search of the perfect place to retire, George and wife discovered Sandpoint. They bought a home north of town and lived there for 27 years. George joined First Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, served communion, taught confirmation class, hosted and led the Saturday morning men’s breakfast, and served variously as president, treasurer, and council member.

He was known for his hearty laugh, his generous spirit, his deep love for his fellow man, and his uncompromising belief in the authority of Scripture.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Cynthia (and husband Steve) Dilts; grandchildren Scott, Michael, Emily and Joshua Dilts, all of Sandpoint; and his brother, Dr. Joseph (and wife Pat) Chatfield of Bay City, Mich.

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