John George Chillson

John George Chillson, age 92, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 1:35 A.M. on Monday, July 16, 2018, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois with his loving wife by his side.  He was born on February 9, 1926 in Clay City, Indiana, the son of the late George and Ola Beatrice (Brown) Chillson.  He married Deborah June “Debbie” Lynch on December 24, 1983 at their home in Centralia, Illinois and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 34 years, Mr. Chillson is survived by his four sons, Tom Chillson and wife Gail, Steve Chillson, Ken Chillson and Brad Chillson; one daughter, Connie Urich and six grandchildren, Katie Sprehe and husband Daniel, Megan Chillson, Lucy Chillson, Todd Kettering, Alistar Kettering and Renae Chillson.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Chillson was preceded in death by his sister, Mora Chillson.

Mr. Chillson was of the Methodist faith.  He earned his Master’s Degree in English from Purdue University and graduated with Clay City High School’s “Class of 1944”.  After graduation from high school, Mr. Chillson joined the U.S. Navy serving his country from 1944 until 1947.  He was stationed at Indian Head Naval Station in Maryland, where he was assigned to the transportation of nitroglycerin. He was an animal advocate, who had Australian Shepherds and mutts as his constant companions.  He was a collector of MGs, having seven in his car collection.  He was often seen driving around in his MG with one of his companions, either Tillie, Smoke or Susie by his side.  After spending time teaching in Switzerland, Mr. Chillson returned to the United States as a connoisseur of fine wine and cheese fondue, especially that of gruyere cheese.  He was known by his family and friends to be a great story teller and he was the High Priest of the Great Goonawallah Society.

Mr. Chillson retired as an English Professor in 1990 from the English Department at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois.  He was a news announcer at WILY Radio in Centralia, Illinois.  He previously taught English at various colleges in Switzerland for seven years.  He has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1969.

It was Mr. Chillson’s wish to be cremated.  There will be no public visitation nor services.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia Humane Society (No Kill Shelter) and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Chillson’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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