Richard "Dick" Chilton

Obituary of Richard Chilton

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Richard Chilton passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025 at Roosevelt House, Hemlock, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old. Richard was born July 17, 1933, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Elzear and Angeline (Korkus) Chilton. Dick earned the nickname "Speedy" from his father at a young age.

Dick's work ethic began early, delivering newspapers on the east side of Saginaw and working at a gas station and bowling alley.

His love for the game of golf began at the early age of four, hitting golf balls into a net in the backyard, and grew into a lifelong passion. He was a member of the Saginaw High School golf team, and met many of his lifelong friends playing golf, including his friends Al Brown, Gerry Hammerschmidt, and Otto Brant. Dick was a proud member of Rolling Green, Maple Hill, and Saginaw Country Club.

After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell where he became a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On July 4, 1968, at a neighborhood courtyard party, Dick met the love of his life, Linda Mahar. They were engaged six months later and married the following year, beginning 56 wonderful years together.

Dick worked for the City of Saginaw for 36 years. He had many roles over the years with one of the last being the Community Relations Field Representative Environmental Improvement Supervisor. He met many of his lifelong friends working for the City of Saginaw before retiring in 1988. Retirement never slowed him down - he became a home inspector and later drove cars for Avis, a job he especially enjoyed. Once Linda retired, the couple spent 14 winters in Mesa, Arizona, and later enjoyed their winter seasons in Fort Myers, Florida, golfing nearly every day.

During his lifetime, Dick had four hole in ones, the first at Maple Hill Golf Course on September 28, 2001. While playing at Los Colinas Country Club in Queen Creek, Arizona, he had a round of 66 with a total of six birdies!

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; daughters Sarah (Jeff) McCarthy, and Sandy (Brian) Hooks, and his treasured granddaughters, Camryn and Hadley Hooks. He also leaves behind two brothers-in-law, John (Marty) Mahar, and Dave (Beth) Mahar, his cousins Carole Chilton, and Ron Stock, and their families, including many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Diane Welch, and is survived by her children, John Kocis, James Kocis, and Jill Rushing.

During the last few years of his life, Dick was lovingly cared for by the staff at The Roosevelt House in Hemlock, MI. The family is deeply grateful for the compassion and care he received there.

Above all, Dick will be remembered for his love of his family, his passion for golf, and the humor, kindness, and loyalty he shared with all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8695 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI, 48609. A funeral service will follow immediately after at 11:00 a.m. at the church Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Military Honors under the auspices of the United States Army will follow the service. Private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Roosevelt House or Ascension Lutheran Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

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