Richard Hudspeth Chiles Jr.

Richard Hudspeth Chiles, Jr.

Richard Hudspeth Chiles Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died bravely at his country home, near Bois D' Arc, Mo., on April 1. Dick had just enjoyed his 91st birthday, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Ellen Chiles.

Dick was born on March 29, 1924, in Buckner, Mo. With his two sisters, Nora Jane and Virginia, Dick was in the eleventh generation following Walter Chiles's arrival in Jamestown, Va., in 1636. Dick's family relocated many times during the Depression years as his father traveled to build highways throughout the Midwest. Dick was studying engineering at the University of Maryland when he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He earned his wings as an elite carrier-based fighter pilot who tore through deep blue skies in Wildcats, Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.

After the war he studied mining engineering and geology at the New Mexico School of Mines in Socorro, N.M., then joined his father R.H. Chiles Sr., to work in the new business called Chiles Tractor & Machinery.

Dick met Ellen Virginia Lumpe during a business trip to Warsaw, Mo., and they were married on October 24, 1948. Dick took over the business in 1955, after the tragic death of his parents and after much hard-won success, he retired in 1986.

During retirement Dick and Ellen traveled the world together, visiting 105 countries and making a special effort to go off the beaten path into such places as Myanmar, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, South Africa, Russia, rural China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Antarctic. Dick loved traveling the Ozarks and he could name every tree and flower on his beloved farm.

He was active in his trade organizations, his church and his community, serving on the boards of Centerre Bank, Springfield General Hospital and the Red Cross.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ellen V. Chiles; Mike (Mary) Chiles, Dan (Margy) Chiles, Jim (Chris) Chiles; grandchildren Anna (Chuck) Faucett, Steve Jacobsen, William Chiles, John Chiles, Mary Ellen Chiles, Elizabeth Chiles, Ingrid Chiles, Philip (Bernie) Chiles, Thomas (fiancée Ingrid) Chiles, David Chiles, Amelia Chiles, Benjamin (Emma) Chiles, Jeffrey (Emily) Chiles, Kevin Chiles, and six great-grandchildren.

Ellen invites you to a visitation, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S. Dayton in Springfield. Dick's funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, at Redeemer. A meal and reception at the church will follow.

Dick will be greatly missed, but his legacy will last. His family has this to say about this man of faith and dedication: "Well done!"