Jack Carlton Chatwell

Jack Carlton Chatwell, 97, passed away on January 6, 2023 at his home with his wife and family by his side. Jack was born in Tuscola, Texas on August 10, 1925. He was the third of seven children born to William Edward  Chatwell and Willie Wolfenberger. Jack went through the sixth grade before leaving school to work and help his family.

In November of 1942, Jack fibbed about his age, and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and trained as a Guard Patrolman. He served his county as a Military Policeman until 1946 when he was Honorably Discharged.

On September 2, 1944, Jack married Beulah Dean “Dena” Ratliff in Atchison, Kansas. Three children were born to this union, Jackie, Bruce, and Christine. Dena preceded him in death on February 26, 1992.

On June 6, 1995, Jack married Charlene Schrock in Cody, Wyoming.

Jack worked throughout the west as a High Voltage Lineman Superintendent, receiving many awards and commendations for him and his crew going above and beyond to get the jobs done. Jack received his Apprentice Certificate in Colorado in 1954, and retired forty-five years later from the Bureau of Reclamation after helping build the Thermopolis substation.

Jack was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union and a former member of the Elks and Eagles organizations. Jack was also the Trailmaster of the Round Top Good Sam’s Club in Thermopolis. 

Jack enjoyed elk hunting well into his 80’s, fishing, camping, riding his four-wheeler, taking care of his yard and tending his garden. Later, his favorite thing was always having time to share his jellybeans with the great grandkids.

Jack is survived by his wife of over 27 years, Charlene “Charley” of the family home; his son, Bruce (Peggy) Chatwell of Yuma, Arizona; daughter Christine (Dave) Briggs of Sierra Vista, Arizona and daughter-in-law Sondra Chatwell of Berthoud, Colorado; brothers Don and Jim of Texas and sister Roma Thompson of Big Springs, Texas; seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his step-children Don (Val) Shoopman of Alberta Canada; Marty Shoopman of Ten Sleep; Kathy (Blaine) Shoopman of Riverton; and Jim (Letha) Hendrickson of Shoshoni as well as numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren and many friends. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Dena, son, Jackie; his sister Margaret, and brothers Bill and Charles.

A graveside service with military rites will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Riverside Cemetery in Thermopolis,Wyoming under the direction of Mortimore Funeral Home.  Reverend Ron Philips, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, will officiate.  A Celebration of Life will be held in late June in Thermopolis.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Hot Springs Memorial Hospital; Dr. Travis Bomengen; Stillwater Hospice; and special grandchildren Justin and Shannon Miller for caring for Jack.

Memorials may be made to Stillwater Hospice, 444 Montana Ave, Lovell, WY 82431.  

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