Jerry L. Chatwell
funeral director and former owner, Minton-Chatwell Funeral Homes, Borger, Texas, died August 14, 2023, at age 84. At 14, Chatwell went to work for A.M. Minton, founder of Minton Funeral Home and Flowers. He later graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and, after returning to Borger, completed his apprenticeship under Mr. Minton.
After Minton’s death, Chatwell managed the funeral home and some years later bought it from Cleo Minton and later, Westlawn Memorial Park. In 1987, Chatwell built a branch funeral home in Fritch, and in 1988, he bought the funeral home in Panhandle. Chatwell received the Ed C. Smith outstanding funeral director and his 50- and 60-year funeral director awards.
Chatwell was very active in the Borger Jaycees, serving in leadership and on several committees. He served as neighborhood commissioner for the Boy Scouts, on the board of directors for Hutchinson County Mentally Retarded Association and was director and president of the Panhandle Funeral Directors Association. He was a Mason and a member of the Borger Elks.
Chatwell is survived by wife Linda, sons J.L. and Steve, daughters Carrie and Robin, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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