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Fred Chilton Obituary
Fred is survived by his siblings, Warren (Darlene) Chilton, Rebecca (John) Wilson, Lisa Wood, Lillia Carvalho, Charlotte Chilton, Norman "Bino" Chilton and Helene (Larry) Hughitt; two sister-cousins, Gloria Chavez Medica. and Norma Chavez Mays, who lived with the family a good number of years.
Fred attended Holy Cross School, Court Jr. High., Las Cruces High School and Center for Creative Studies School of Art in Detroit. Fred's artistic talents and keen mind surfaced in early childhood along with his concern and compassion for animals and people in need. His career in art began in 1963 when he began art school in Detroit. He married Antonia ("Tony") Molina in 1965 and they lived and worked in Detroit where Fred worked in commercial art and fine art photography.
A few years after divorcing, Fred returned to Las Cruces in the early 1980s where he began his sign painting business. He also began his career in fine art which fully blossomed during this time period. He displayed his art at the Carolyn Bunch Gallery in Mesilla and later the Glenn Cutter Gallery plus other regional galleries. Fred was also commissioned by the City of Las Cruces to design posters for many noteworthy celebrations over the years. He received many awards through competitions across the country and was featured in art magazines.
During this time Fred was also involved as an animal rights activist, Alcoholics Anonymous and sponsored and helped others in their sobriety efforts.
In recent years Fred had to deal with debilitating pain and health issues and so he was not able to work in painting and art which he so loved.
Fred left this world with a unique, stunning and large body of work; a large family and many friends who loved him dearly. He was a unique talent; a deeply sensitive and loving man.
A memorial service for Fred will he held on October 1, 2016 at Graham's Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. followed by lunch at home of the late Uncle Sammie and Mabel Chavez 575 El Prado. Many thanks to the Chavez family and cousin Aaron Dunbar who currently occupies the home.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to local programs: Action Programs for Animals-800 W. Picacho or SNAP-2405 W. Picacho
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Chilton
Sponsored by LCsun-news.com.
Robbie Paredes
September 1, 2020
My dear Freddy...oh I miss you so much...when I see your picture in my entryway I always tell you how I'm doing that day...I know in my heart you can hear me when I talk to you & send you prayers...I so miss are alter egos leaving messages about our last adventures & the sharing of our personal tragedies we lived through, that most would not even smile let alone laugh as we healed through them all...there will never be another Freddie in my life, however I know we will see each other & laugh again like we did before...Sending all my love & prayers. Robbie
Greg Valdez
October 21, 2016
Fred was a very good person. He was a great artist, but most of all he was my friend. We did not spend a lot of time together in the last few years, but irrespective of where we saw one another, he took time out to introduce me to his companions, and to catch up on our lives. I will miss Fred Chilton, and my life will be more sparse for his loss.
My sympathy and condolences to the family.
Emily Paredes Maurer
September 29, 2016
To the Chilton Familia
Our Heartfelt Condolences go out to you all! Alittle piece of us is gone with Fred's passing' growing up in La Colonia St' in the ole neighborhood will always be a Cherished memory! Fred and I had heartfelt conversations' Many I will Cherish' especially the one where he Encouragaed me to continue to help one Soul at a Time' and not give up on people! Fred was a Good Soul' and Will be Greatly Missed!'
I can still hear him leaving those silly messages on my sister Robbies voice message' and we would replay them just to laugh!
And the Good Shepherd said' "Fred your job is done on Earth' You're Table is Ready" RIP Freddy' We Love you!
September 29, 2016
Through his art, his love for the beautiful landscape and people of the Southwest, he will live forever...
Judy and Curtis Riley
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Dolores Hendricks
September 17, 2016
A great artist and equally great person who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Vita Montano
September 10, 2016
Hope that memories comfort you at this sad time. Love and Blessings
Helene Hughitt
September 10, 2016
Missing my brother Fred. He was such a tender hearted person; he loved children, his many cats, and his music. He touched so many people during his lifetime with his generosity and love. He blessed this world with his amazing artistic talent that will live on. Love you Fred and hope to see you again someday where there will be no pain or suffering and we can dance to mariachi music together.
Your baby sister Helene
Ron Nesler
September 9, 2016
Fred was a good guy and a good friend. He had wit and imagination and a good heart. It always made me feel better to talk to him. I never once heard Fred say a mean or spiteful word about another human being, not once. And, you can't say that about many.
Terry Alvarez
September 9, 2016
I always enjoyed talking to Fred and admired his artistic ability. This past year he became my neighbor--one street over. He attended some of our neighborhood cookouts, and I looked forward to working with him on future neighborhood projects. We often visited when I walked by his house. He will be missed.
Please accept my prayers and condolences.
Sincerely, Terry Alvarez
Clara Apodaca
September 9, 2016
Dear Chilton Family, My very sincere condolences to all of your family on your loss of Fred. I remember with such fond memories all of Elsie and Bill's children while we lived in Las Cruces. We had many happy moments at your home. It is difficult to believe such an accomplished artist is gone. Please know my family has you in our thoughts and prayers. With Sympathy, Clara Apodaca
Evelyn Terry
September 9, 2016
My heart is heavily weighed down and sadden because I've lost a great and special friend. It's very heard for me to hold back the tears. Fred was a great and creative man that will always have a special place in my heart. REST IN PEACE my FRIEND. I going to miss you dearly.
Sandra and Malu Bender
September 9, 2016
How sad, we just talked and made plans to visit again "soon" . My heart is so very sad for the loss of a very lovely friend. Through the years we have shared many thoughts about life, love, and art. I will always remember his passion for social discussions and his political views. We could talk for ours on the subject! :)
Dear Fred, Malu and I will remember you for ever. I am so thankful for the last hug.
May God keep you. See you again someday.
Sandra and Malu Bender
September 9, 2016
Warren and B'ino,
I can see now where you both got your many talents. I am sorry for your loss. Roseanne
September 8, 2016
Fred was a truly talented and kind person. I greatly admire his fine work. He will be missed.
Nancy Arnold
sharon paulowsky
September 8, 2016
I write this with heartfelt sympathy as I search for words. Freddie always had a kind and encouraging word to say, and had such an insightful and gentle way of saying it. He always accepted me, even at times it must not have been easy to do. His works of art captured the depth of his being... how beautiful that is. My heart goes out to the family and my prayers are with Freddie and each of you. I know he has good company where he is now, and that he will be unconditionally loved forever.
Peace be with you.
With Love, Sharon (Chavez) Paulowsky
joe hidalgo
September 8, 2016
my prayers and condolences to the Chilton family. Fred and I worked painting signs together and always encouraged me with my personal art work. Thank You Freddie, may you rest in peace.
Linda G. Harris
September 8, 2016
Fred and I crossed paths many times over the years, beginning with the painting he did for my book. He was a delightful, talented man who always made me happy to see him. My condolences to his family. We have lost a treasure.
Kathleen Deasy
September 7, 2016
R.I.P. Freddie Healing thoughts for the family. With Love
Laurie and Doug Ream
September 7, 2016
Thank you Fred for always offering artistic encouragement. We will miss your creative brilliance. Rest in peace.
Laurie and Doug Ream
Silver City
Paul Sedgwick
September 7, 2016
My heart and sincerest condolences go out to Fred's family and loved ones. May the good Lord's Angels forever watch over him!
Margo Chavez
September 7, 2016
Freddie was a beloved cousin to many of us. And to many others he were a dear friend and an inspiration. My love to all my Chilton cousins,
Margo
Robbie Paredes
September 7, 2016
To the Chilton family...your sorrow is shared by many & His memory will live on forever...sending my condolences, love & prayers to all the family as you travel this uncharted journey...Vaya Con Dios my dear Freddy...Love Robbie
Robbie Paredes
September 7, 2016
Kindred Souls we were...shared alot of maladies together & made them bearable cause we both understood...we could laugh @ our pain when we were together...eat Pizza & watch movies like August Osage County . Could see the humor in family dynamics when it was on the screen...Not blaming them, just trying not to blame ourselves
Oh the places we went & shared w/each other...in Burma w/the lamas or painting the sidewalks in Paris...we took up our roots down on Ole LA Colonia...yet traveled the globe for enjoyment or escape...there will never be a friend like my cousin Fred...I'll miss you dearly, just save me a seat...we'll travel again...now you rest in peace
I'll love you to the moon & back again...Robbie
September 7, 2016
Ay, Freddie. We love you and will miss you so much. Te queremos tanto, primo! Denise Chávez
Rose Marie Espinosa-Ruiz
September 7, 2016
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. Lisa, you are a brave, strong woman and I pray you will be comforted by our Lord at this time.
September 7, 2016
Condolences to the Chilton Family. Many memories held in our lives with Fred. May he rest in peace.
Dolores (Guerra) and Jerry Berg
Lake City, Minnesota
Rita Jo Sosa-Carver
September 7, 2016
I was so sad to hear of Freds' death. Visited with him about a month ago and had some good conversation. I will cherish that time with him. I pray that Gods' grace abounds for all the Chavez/Chilton familia, that you may feel His presence with you during this hard time. I will be praying you, Con Carino, Rita Jo
Minerva Frietze Goen
September 7, 2016
Chilton and Chavez Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful human being and a very talented artist. Fred you are soaring with the Angels.
May GOD comfort and heal each and everyone of you and bring you peace during this difficult time.
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Memorial service
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La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home - Las Cruces555 W. Amador , Las Cruces, NM 88001
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