Lawrence Chilton

Lawrence Kerlin Chilton passed away on April 27, 2023, after a bicycle accident. We are heartbroken.
Larry's family was the central focus of his life. Alongside his dear wife, Doreen, he raised five children. Doreen has been Larry's top priority since the moment he first saw her, which was evident through his devotion, commitment, love, and tender care. He cared deeply about each of his children and grandchildren and was fascinated by their hobbies and interests. He loved cheering and supporting at basketball and volleyball games, recitals, and so many other events. He loved every moment with his grandkids, including water fights, Engine Engine Number 9, knock-knock jokes, kites, peek-a-boo, and sharing a bowl of ice cream. He would often be found with his face inches from the floor, deeply invested in situations involving trains, dolls and Legos, and obediently submitting himself to their imaginations. Or he would be outside, completely drenched from water balloons, making giant bubbles, launching stomp rockets, or flying a kite into a tree.
As a child he loved sports, the outdoors, and fishing, which continued throughout his life. After serving a valiant mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France, he met his wife, Doreen Rane, in 1976, and they were married four months later in the Los Angeles LDS Temple for time and eternity.
Larry earned four degrees and had three careers, which took him all over the country including California, Alabama, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, and Idaho. Before graduating from the University of California San Diego, he joined the United States Air Force and later retired as a Lt. Colonel after 22 years of exceptional service to his country. After retiring, he worked as a research scientist for ten years, and most recently as a math professor. He loved teaching and returned to it several times in his career, teaching math at the Air Force Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology, and most recently BYU-Idaho, where he has been since 2012. He was a beloved and devoted teacher, believing in each student's potential and working tirelessly to inspire them and facilitate opportunities for them.
Larry made friends everywhere he went and was curious to learn about everyone's cares and worries and to analyze even the smallest details of their interests with them. He could make anyone feel comfortable and loved. The service he gave throughout his life demonstrated his love for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and everyone he met. He firmly believed in the mission and reality of Jesus Christ and the joy available to all through following Him. He would joyfully seek opportunities to serve in church, schools, the community, and countless hours with individuals. He was currently serving as Bishop of the Rexburg Married Student 5th Ward. He selflessly approached each day with optimism and hope and always made things better with his wonderful smile, laugh, sense of humor, and sincere love.
He is survived by his wife, Doreen Chilton, their children: Todd (Carrie) Chilton, Chicago, IL; Jay (Shauntel) Chilton, Mesa, AZ; Kyle (Josie) Chilton, Spanish Fork, UT; Reed (Brittnie) Chilton, Temecula, CA; Marie (Taylor) Killian, Boston, MA; nineteen grandchildren; and sisters MerriLyn Diaz and Peggy Feld.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that Larry loved, Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org).
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Rexburg Married Student First Stake Building, 68 East 7th South (North Chapel) in Rexburg, ID. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Larry will be buried with military honors on Monday, May 8, at noon, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 1700 W, Bluffdale, UT, 84068
Service will be live streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/larry-chilton