Clifton Hugh Chastain

Clifton Hugh Chastain was born on September 6, 1939, in Durango, Colorado, to college students DeVona (Furman) and Hugh E. Chastain. Surrounded by large, close-knit families on both sides, he grew up immersed in hard work, deep dedication to the land and one another, and a spirit of adventure. From a young age, he spent formative time with his grandparents—one set on a sprawling ranch in western Nebraska and the other on a dry farm outside Cortez, Colorado—where he absorbed their values, character, and practical knowledge, lessons he would later pass on to his own family.

At age nine, Clifton moved to 5th Street in Durango, a place he would always consider home, even throughout his 21-year military career. He graduated from Durango High School, attended the University of Colorado and Fort Lewis College, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science from Colorado State University in 1962, with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. At sixteen, he met Lauralee Howard at a dance in Durango. Though he arrived with another girl, he left with Lauralee, the high school principal’s daughter. They married on September 9, 1961, just before his senior year of college.

Instead of becoming a math teacher, Clifton joined the Air Force when the draft called. He built a distinguished career in military intelligence and early computer systems, serving in West Germany, Aurora, Colorado, Fairfax, Virginia, Omaha, Nebraska, and Springfield, Virginia. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and continued his work as a defense contractor in Colorado Springs with Booz, Allen & Hamilton and Science Applications International Corporation. Later, he and Lauralee spent five years in San Antonio, Texas, along with his mother.

In retirement, Clifton stayed active as a substitute teacher, golfer, and devoted member of the Delta United Methodist Church, where he found deep purpose for the last 28 years of his life. He and Lauralee cherished their time at Electra Lake with friends and family. Above all, he poured his wisdom, curiosity, mischief, and drive into his family. He taught his children and grandchildren to swim and fish, to move quickly, to attempt what seemed impossible, to think differently, and to finish what they started.

Clifton was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Jean MacNutt. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lauralee, his three children—Melissa (John) Harris, Christopher (Kristi) Chastain, and Caryn (Bryan) Braddy—his seven grandchildren, and his beloved great-grandchild.