Joe Lynn Chilton

Joe Lynn Chilton



Lynn Chilton, a rancher, cowboy, conservationist and friend to all, died peacefully in his home in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Sept. 24, 2018. He was 81.



Lynn was born Oct. 20, 1936, in a dugout on a homestead in Elida to R.L. and Nora Belle Chilton. After graduating from Mountainair High School and New Mexico State University, he joined the United States Army and served as a quartermaster out of Fort Hood in Texas.



Lynn returned home to Mountainair, where he and his wife, Carol, raised two daughters. Alongside his father, Lynn spent decades running a large cattle ranch near Abo, and over the course of his career, he was awarded for his conservation practices. On Sundays, he led music worship at the Mountainair First Baptist Church. Lynn and Carol enjoyed traveling and playing 42. Carol passed away in 1995.



In 1996, Lynn married Judy Gonce-Chilton, and later moved with her to Tennessee. He spent the last several years of his life traveling and enjoying time with friends.



Lynn is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Donna Barnitz and husband, Richard, Suzanne Bothell and husband, Eric; step-children, Alan Gonce and husband, Craig Stephens, Linda Chavez and husband, Jimmy; sister, Jean Stone; grandchildren: Katy and Richard Barnitz, David, Julie and Brian Bothell, Dean Gonce, and Amy and Stephanie Chavez; nephew Randy Chilton and wife Trinnie, and niece Debra Gardner and husband Mack.



He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol, parents R.L. and Nora Belle Chilton, brother Vyrle Chilton, brother-in-law Bud Stone, grandson Scott Chavez and nephew Mikel Stone.