Eugene Darrell Chatterton

Eugene Darrell "Chat" Chatterton passed away surrounded by family July 2, 2011, at the Heritage Home in Preston, Idaho, at the age of 87. Chat was born Jan. 6, 1924, in Preston, Idaho. He was the second child of Leland LeGrande and Indra Elizabeth Nyborg Chatterton. His family moved to Logan, Utah, in 1928 where he attended first through sixth grades at the Benson Grade School. In 1938, the family moved back to Preston where he graduated from Preston High School.
In 1943 his name came up for the draft so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946 following the end of the war. Gene and Leona dated upon his return and were married Aug. 11, 1946, in Preston. They were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple.
They both worked at Ern's Store, which was owned by Leona's father. They purchased the business in 1963, which was known at that time as Idaho Appliance and Sport Shop. They owned and operated the business together, working side by side, until selling it to retire in 1984. Customers would often want to talk only to Chat as he was known to give them great deals and treat them fairly.
They enjoyed many wonderful retirement years together, living in St. George in the winter and Preston in the summer, spending many of those summer days at their cabin in Island Park, Idaho. During winters in St. George, Chat could often be found helping widows, as well as others, in their retirement community.
Chat was an avid golfer, fisherman and hunter. He was very close to his three brothers and they often took fishing trips together and stayed in close contact. They were all very athletic. Chat boxed on the high school boxing team and won most of his matches. While in the ninth grade, he won the district title in his weight. He also played on the tennis team. Chat was a good basketball player, but with his size and always going to work right after school, money was more important than being on the basketball team. He was able to buy a 1930 Model A Ford while in school and thought that was pretty neat. Not many boys at that time had their own car. He later played on a commercial softball team.
Gene is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Leona Chatterton; their three children, Dennis (Charlotte) Chatterton of St. George, Utah, Jan Fryer (Steve) of Bountiful, Utah, and Larry (Laura) Chatterton of Smithfield, Utah; and his younger brother, Dale Chatterton of Boise, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, LeGrande and Merlin. They most likely came to get him with fishing poles in hand, saying, "Chat, you won't believe the size of the fish up here!"
Grandpa Chat has eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Chat had a great sense of humor that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 7, in the Whitney 2nd Ward chapel, 1444 S. 1600 East, Whitney, Idaho. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Webb Funeral Home's new facility, 1005 S. 800 East, Preston, Idaho, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.
The family would like to thank the staff of Franklin County Hospice and the Heritage Home for their compassionate service and assistance, and Dr. Michael Stones for his many years of medical care and compassion. We love and miss you Dad!