LOCATION

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Acclaimed artist, Fred Chilton died on Aug. 28, 2016 in his Las Cruces home. Fred (Fredrick Phelan) was born third of eight children June 14, 1.944 to "Elsie" (Elisa Chavez Chilton) and Bill Chilton.
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

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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 &...

Robbie Paredes

September 01, 2020 | Las Cruces, NM | Family

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.

Greg Valdez

October 21, 2016 | Las Cruces, NM

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...

Emily Paredes Maurer

September 29, 2016 | Las Cruces, NM

Through his art, his love for the beautiful landscape and people of the Southwest, he will live forever...
Judy and Curtis Riley

September 29, 2016

A great artist and equally great person who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Dolores Hendricks

September 17, 2016 | Las Cruces, NM

Hope that memories comfort you at this sad time. Love and Blessings

Vita Montano

September 10, 2016 | Las Cruces, NM

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

Helene Hughitt

September 10, 2016 | Eugene, OR

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.

Ron Nesler

September 10, 2016 | New Harmony, IN

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

Terry Alvarez

September 09, 2016 | Las Cruces, NM

Fred Chilton

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