George W. Chronister, age 95, died January 29, 2023, at Coffeyville, KS. He was born August 31, 1927, in rural Oregon County, Missouri, the youngest son of George W Chronister Sr., and Verble Marie (Mathis) Chronister. His family moved to Coffeyville, KS around 1929. He attended McKinley grade school and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1945.
During his youth, he had various jobs including a paper route for the Coffeyville Journal, Ridgeway Service Station, and Halls Sport Shop. Upon graduation, he along with six other school mates, joined the US Navy. His tour of duty included being stationed at Adak Island Alaska and aboard the USS Whetstone. After serving and being Honorably Discharged, he enrolled at Coffeyville Jr. College in September 1946. After graduating, he worked at Parker's Rig & Reel. In April 1950, he again joined the US Navy, serving four years. He was stationed at Argentia Newfoundland Supply Depot for 22 months and aboard the Flagship USS Adirondack for 2 years, being honorably discharged at Norfolk, VA in 1954.
In 1955 he married Betty Binkley and they later divorced. They had one son Craig.
George attended the University of Tulsa for 1-1/2 years. He was employed by the Mid-Continent Refinery and KVOO TV while attending the University of Tulsa. He later graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s Degree. In 1958, George became employed at Funk Manufacturing (which was sold to Gardner Denver, then Cooper Industries and ultimately John Deere), until his retirement in 1991. He started as a Purchasing Agent and worked in several other positions, including as a General Manager for Funk.
In the late 1980's, he met Louise Stills and they shared a life together until her death in 2020.
During his retirement, he was the President of the Fall Creek Resort Condominium Association in Branson, Missouri, as well as Secretary and Board member for approximately 17 years. His past and current memberships include VFW Post1022, where he served as Post Commander and All State Commander. He was also a member of the Mirza Temple, where he was involved with the Ft. Scott Scottish Rite, Shriners Hospitals and served on Coffeyville City Commission Advisory Boards.
George is survived by his son, Craig Chronister (and wife Becky), of Pittsburg, KS; grandson Levi Chronister (and wife Nicole) of Washington DC, and a great grandson Theodore (Theo) Chronister, one brother, Walter Chronister, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Laura Shoemaker, and two brothers, Floyd (Zeke) Chronister and Clyde Chronister, and Loise Stills.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, and a Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas. Coffeyville VFW Post 1022 and American Legion Post 20 will provide military honors at the Remembrance Service. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery immediately following. At George’s request donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospitals or the American Legion.
