LT Edward Maurice Chatterton, USN, retired, passed away in his home in Pascagoula, Mississippi, October 23, 2020. Edward was three days shy of his 91st birthday at his passing.
Edward was born on October 26,1929 in Bushnell IL as the second of three children to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Maurice Chatterton, who preceded him in death along with his brother, William, and great-grandson, Ezra. Military service was part of the family tradition. Edward's Uncle Francis Chatterton served in the US Army in Eastern Russia, and his namesake Cornelius Edward Chatterton was killed in action in September 1918, while serving with the AEF in France. Edward's father Maurice was severely wounded while serving in the Canadian Army in France during the First World War as well. Edward's older brother William served in the US Army and was wounded in WWII.
Edward graduated from Bushnell HS in 1947 and joined the US Navy that same year. He served for 24 years, nine months and one day. Edward moved up through the ranks as an enlisted man, warrant officer, LDO, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant. He served tours of duty on the following ships: Howard W Gilmore (AS15), USS Cubera (SS 347) USS Petrel (ASR 14), USS Lake Champlain (USN CVA 39), USS Vulcan (AR5) during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the USS Long Beach (CGN9) during the Vietnam War. Shore duty stations included Key West FL, Treasure Island CA, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Dam Neck VA, New London CT, and Charleston SC.
Edward's hobbies included being an avid outdoorsman, bowling, raising cats, and of course, sharpening knives (friends, family, and businesses were all blessed by this skill!) He was a member of Pascagoula FUMC, the Gideons, Methodist Men, and Cursillo of the Methodist Church.
Edward is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Ann Chatterton of Pascagoula, whom he met on a Greyhound bus in Macon, GA in 1949, and his sister, Betty Schrodt. His children Edward Chatterton Jr and spouse Jenny, Keith Chatterton and spouse Christine, Paul Chatterton, Glenn Chatterton and spouse Rhonda, Penny Chatterton, Julie Frost and spouse the Rev. Chuck Frost, and "children by choice", Dee and Jack Boreing. Grandchildren include Edward Chatterton III, Mandy and spouse Ala'a Alsayyed, Connie and spouse Mark Anderson, Jeffrey Chatterton and spouse Kathleen, Monica Chatterton, Micah Chatterton and spouse Jenny, Jacob Chatterton, Joshua Frost and spouse Morgan, and Jonah Frost. Edward's great-grandchildren are Ezra, Edward IV, Lucas, Chloe, Gavin, Marisa, Mason, Morgan, Samuel, Josiah, Theodore, and Gabriel. His Godsons are Damon Wood and Matthew Everett.
A memorial service for Edward will be conducted November 20, 2020 at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Eddie Kirby and Rev. Chuck Frost presiding. Final place of internment is Biloxi National Cemetery from Holder-Wells Mortuary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church.