Henry Ray Chatman

Henry Ray Chatman of St. James, MO., passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, December 16, 2021, with his wife and son at his side. He was 71 years of age.

Henry Chatman was born on October 28, 1950, in Qulin, MO, to the son of the late George and Berta Ray (Baker) Chatman.

On September 4, 1970, at Crestwood, Mo. Henry was united in marriage to Bonnie Mitchell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Bonnie Chatman of the home in St. James, MO. His dear son: Hank Chatman and his wife Jennie of St. James, MO, and one granddaughter Suzanne Chatman, that Henry loved very much. He is further survived by three Brothers: Steve Chatman of Salem, IL, Roger Chatman of IL, Chris Chatman of Imperial, MO., along with one sister: Kathy Shipman of High Ridge, MO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his dear grandparents who raised Henry, along with one brother Ronnie Chatman.

Henry was a person who was convicted in his beliefs. He loved his family and his country. He was a servant to the Lord and was a baptized believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was raised in the bootheel of Missouri. He picked cotton when he was very young; he wasn’t able to carry the sack the adults used so they gave him a pillow sack to drag. He was drafted into the United States Army only weeks after he and Bonnie were married. He served his boot camp at Ft. Leonard Wood where he learned valuable lessons that he used the rest of his life. He retired from Chrysler Assembly Plant in St. Louis and retired to their log home that he had built by hand. For many years, Henry and his son Hank built prior salvage cars and sold them. He worked at the Jones Funeral Home for several years driving the hearse and assisting on funerals. He was an advocate of what was right and was never shy to let you know where he stood regardless of whether it offended you. In recent years Henry and his family attended Cuba church of Christ where he taught class and gave lessons. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Henry Chatman will lie in state from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the Jones Funeral home in St. James, MO.

Funeral Service for Henry Chatman will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO with Steven Wick Officiating. Pallbearers will be Richard Jones, John Badger, Mike Simpson, Matt Mazzei, Kenny Killeen, and Steven Wick. Burial with Full Military Honors will be at the Matlock Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Matlock Cemetery.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO

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