Chick Chathams, 79

Sheldon Delmont Chathams, known to his friends as "Chick", 79, of Mountain Home, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at a Boise hospital. Vigil services were held Monday at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel. Funeral mass was held Tuesday, May 13, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery.

Chick was born June 17, 1923, in Altoona, Penn., to Clayton and Ivy (Pifer) Chathams. He attended schools in Altoona and Washington, D.C.

After graduation he worked briefly as a civilian for the U.S. Navy before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1945. He flew many missions as a pilot during WWII and Korea. In 1963, after 20 years of service, Chick retired with the rank of major. He married the love of his life, Sarah Garcia, known to all as Sally, in 1947. They enjoyed 56 years together. They had one child, a son, Sheldon Dennis, who died in 1968.

"Chick's journey on this earth touched many people. His love of children led him to care for many children and he was godfather to several more," his family said.

He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Chick was a devout Catholic, a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mountain Home, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Chick is survived by: his wife, Sally, of Mountain Home, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son and most recently his brother, Robert.

Memorials may be made in Chick's name to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 115 N. 4th East, Mountain Home, ID 83647.