Fletcher Chasteen

Dr. Fletcher Otis Chasteen of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, July, 26, 2007, at his home.

He was born Feb. 12, 1925, near Bloomfield, Mo., son of Fletcher W. Chasteen and Ivah G. Miller.

He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1943, and after completing radio communications school was assigned to the USS Allendale APA 127. He served in the southwest Pacific where he was involved in retaking the islands of the Philippines and Okinawa including amphibious landings in Leyte and Manila Bay. His ship was prepared to invade Japan when the Japanese surrendered. He received his honorable discharge in 1946 from the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Station in St. Louis.

Dr. Chasteen's life was devoted to public school education. He served as a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, and a university professor a total of 54 years. He received his bachelor's degree from Arkansas State University, a master's degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.

He was a member of La Croix United Methodist Church, Puxico Masonic Lodge 596 AF&AM, and many professional organizations. He was a life member and past commander of VFW Post 3838, and a life member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 16.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou; three daughters, Beverly S. Morris of Affton, Mo., Brenda K. Stanton (Mel) of Huntsville, Texas, Judy C. Bornemann of Creve Coeur, Mo.; two sons, John C. Austin (Missy) of Sikeston, Mo., Kyle F. Chasteen of O'Fallon, Mo.; two sisters, Mary Lou Benjamin of Chesterfield, Mo., Judy Silvagni (Rod) of Huntsville; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Masonic service will be held at 7:30 by the Puxico Lodge.

The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ron Watts officiating. Burial will be in Brown Church Cemetery northeast of Puxico, Mo., with graveside rites by the Rev. Ray Placher. Full military honors will be provided by VFW Post 3838 and Missouri Honors Team.

Pallbearers are Joe Benthal, David Diamond, Jeff Diamond, Keith Miller, Daniel Austin, George Miller and John Miller.

Honorary pallbearers are Frank Dieteker, Jason Niswonger, Greg Phillips, Reid Cranmer, Jim Akins, Don Marler and Jordan Stone.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Fletcher O. Chasteen Scholarship Fund through Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, One University Plaza MS 7300, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.