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Donald "Don" Chatten
Donald "Don" Chatten
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Donald was born on September 11, 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Roy Edward and Mary June (Mercer) Chatten.
He graduated from Martinsville High School in 1961. During high school he fondly worked at Charlie's Drive-In. He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967, which took him across the United States, his favorite place being Alaska. Donald retired in April 2009 from the Chemistry Department at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana after 36 years of service. Donald was an active member of the American Legion Post #230. He attended First Baptist Church in Martinsville, Indiana where he was baptized in front of his family and friends later in his life. Donald loved being a grandfather to his three grandchildren. He filled his days attending track meets, baseball and soccer games, or taking his grandchildren to see every new movie. He loved watching Indiana basketball and rarely missed a game. He loved singing, dancing and telling jokes. Donald was a great neighbor and lended a hand to any that needed it. In the mornings, he loved making new and old friends eating breakfast at Hardee's. He always looked forward to lunch with his friends from Martinsville and Indiana University once a month. Donald was proud to be a life-long Artesian, attending as many reunions and gatherings as he could. If he could give you any piece of advice it would be to tell the ones that you love that you love them everyday; always have time for your family; when you work, work hard; when you play, play hard; when you love, love with all your heart.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Jody) Neal; three grandchildren, Jamie (Ali) Freeman, Joey (Majerle) Neal and Julia (Travis) Kirkland; four great grandchildren, Iann, Isla, Iliza and Jennings. Several nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends as well as special friend Patricia Bratton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Eugene Edward Chatten, David Lee Chatten; sisters, Dorthy June Chatten, Margeret Ann Gregson.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Costin Funeral Chapel.
Donald will be laid to rest with a Committal service with military honors at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you live each day by Donald's golden rule: Be cheerful.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Gina V.
September 3, 2025
My condolences to Don´s family. I worked with him in the chemistry department and always enjoyed talking to him. I was fortunate enough in the past few years to occasionally run into him at Walmart, where we would block an aisle catching up with each other. I will always remember him fondly.
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539 E Washington St., Martinsville, IN 46151
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