Don Chilcote, 88, of Belle Plaine, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at Belle Plaine Specialty Care.
Don William Chilcote, son of William Perry and Bessie (Edwards) Chilcote, was born on October 21, 1934, at his parents’ rural home near Eveland Access in Mahaska County, Iowa. He attended country school and was a 1955 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. He studied auto body repair in high school and used that skill to work part-time while in school. On October 21, 1955, his 21st birthday, he married Edna Mae Roovaart at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. In 1956, the newlyweds, Don’s parents, and brothers all moved to Benton County near Belle Plaine to farm. In February 1957, Don was inducted into the Army; he served two years and then returned to Belle Plaine to continue farming with his parents and brothers. Later in his life, Don and Edna became over-the-road truck drivers together. They traveled all over the lower 48 states and Canada and hauled every imaginable cargo.
Don was a talented individual with skills in carpentry and bricklaying. He built the log home where Edna still resides. He built his grandchildren a playhouse and also helped others with their carpentry and refinishing skills. Don also earned his pilot’s license and flew recreationally for many years. Don attended the New Life Evangelical Free Church in Tama.
His family includes his wife, Edna of Belle Plain; his son, William (Susie) Chilcote of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren: Reuben, Oliver, Silas, and Clara; sisters: Violet (Bob) Jones of Oskaloosa and Virginia (Todd) Harp of Moravia; brothers: Harry (Jean) Chilcote of Belle Plaine and Charles Chilcote (Dave Ohlson) of Panama, Florida; and a sister-in-law, Beverly Chilcote of Oskaloosa.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a brother, Dale, and sisters: Catherine Havener and Helen Towns, and a brother-in-law, Tom Havener.
Funeral services for Don will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Steve Brant of the New Life Evangelical Free Church officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Friday; the family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to New Life Evangelical Free Church.
