John Arthur Chilton

John A. Chilton, 71, of Benton Harbor, passed away on January 1, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center – St. Joseph with his loving wife and family by his side. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 4 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Reverend Christopher Noffke officiating. A private burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery at a later date. Friends may visit with the family from 3 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family; c/o Frances Chilton or The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John was born on October 12, 1945 in St. Joseph to Guy & Violet (Jarvis) Chilton. John graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1965. On June 3, 1972, John married the love of his life, Frances Weed, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. For almost 20 years, he worked in the circulation department for the Herald Palladium. Afterwards, he worked part time at Pizza Hut for 20 years. John also worked at Auto Specialties for 21 years then, most recently, worked at Modineer Company where he worked in manufacturing. He enjoyed going to car shows, riding on his lawn mower and tending to his vegetable garden. More than anything, John was an extremely devoted husband & loved spending time with his family, especially for holiday get togethers. He was an incredible, caring, kind and helpful man with a great sense of humor, he will be missed dearly by all. John is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Frances; siblings, Debra (Larry) Wilson and Mary Hull; sisters-in-law, Barbara Chilton, Judy (Tom) Englesby, Dorothy (Richard) Oberheu, Margaret Weed, and Patricia Weed; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Lou) Weed, Edward (Jan) Weed and Stephen Weed; and numerous nieces & nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Guy & Violet; brother, Guy Chilton, Jr.; mother-in-law, Berniece Weed; father-in-law, Edgar Weed; sister-in-law, Kathleen Weed; and brothers-in-law, Richard Weed, Robert Weed, and Bill Hull; and favorite & loving aunt, Margy Weed.