Kenneth Wayne Chilton

Kenneth Wayne Chilton, age 80, of Lake Saint Louis, MO, entered into the presence of Jesus on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Ken was born on August 22, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to Thomas and Sadie Chilton (nee Smith). He grew up with his brother, Phil, in Sappington in St. Louis County. They spent a lot of time outdoors, including some hunting and fishing with their dad and uncles. They loved listening to cowboy programs on the radio and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. Family reunions and holidays with their mom and dad and aunts, uncles, and cousins were some of Ken's favorite memories.
Ken met his high school sweetheart, Linda Bevirt, in band at Lindbergh High School. They had their first date on June 26, 1960 – a cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the SS Admiral. After high school Ken attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. While attending university, Ken and Linda were married on August 23, 1965 and lived in Evanston.
Ken received his BS and MS in Management Science from Northwestern University (1967, 1968), and went to work for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. In 1976, Ken switched careers to work at a public policy think tank at Washington University in St. Louis where he served as a researcher and administrator for 24 years. In 1994, Ken received his PhD in business administration from Washington University. In 2001, he became a professor at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO where he taught for eight years and founded the Institute for the Study of Economics and the Environment.
Ken and Linda moved to Lake Saint Louis, MO in 1970 where they raised their daughter, Jennifer, and son, Tom. When Jen and Tom were young, Ken engaged in all their activities and planned many special adventures. He coached softball, baseball, and basketball for Jen and Tom, took the family on hikes, fishing, and canoe trips. Every summer they went on vacations to see God's beauty in creation and historic U.S. landmarks. The traditions continued with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ken loved his family so much and showed it every day.
He also loved the Lord Jesus Christ and his church, Chapel of the Lake in Lake Saint Louis, MO. Ken and Linda were founding members of Chapel where he served for more than 50 years, including as an elder. They began attending in 1971, but it was not until 1976 when Ken recounted being born again. "I realized that I needed to give Christ 100% of my life, no less." For the rest of his life, he studied God's Word, led Bible studies, served, counseled and cared for others in his church family. The love of Christ was evident in his warm smiles, his laughter, his encouragement and his hugs. Ken will be remembered and missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Chilton; his daughter, Jennifer (Edward) Kallery of Wright City, MO; his son, Thomas (Heather) of Carol Stream, IL, his six grandchildren: Karl (Natalie) Kammerer of Olathe, KS; Robert Kallery; Maggie Kallery (fiancé Travis Glaunert); Sophia, Charlotte & Elliot Chilton; six great grandchildren: Kohl, Kaleb & Keaton Kammerer; Grant, Abel, & Phoenix Kallery; brother Philip (Mary) Chilton of Ballwin, MO, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Sadie.
Memorial donations may be made to: Chapel of the Lake, 11000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lake St Louis, MO 63367
The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville.
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