Dudley Russell Chastain

Dudley Russell Chastain's life was being determined when his maternal grandfather, M.U. Johnson, oldest of 9 children was born, in Northern Indiana and raised 4 daughters.  In 1918, M.U. bought a farm in Washington County, Indiana near Salem.  This was a neighboring farm to Dudley's paternal grandparents, Edgar Earl and Cora Maudlin Chastain.  Russell Carl Chastain was the oldest son of 6 children of Edgar and Cora.  Dudley's parents became acquainted when Russell's father, Russell, came uninvited to a party given by M.U.'s youngest daughter Anita Fern Johnson.  This started a romance and Russell and Fern were married December 1923.  To this union was born Dudley Chastain (Marjorie Nicholson), Anita Chastain (Don Graves), Robert Chastain (Edna Wagner), Keith Chastain (Norma Atkins), David Chastain (Sandra Brown).  When Dudley's mother, Fern, passed away, Russell married Pauline Eckert and added Carl Chastain (Karen Schmidt), a step-brother:  Curt Middleton and a step-sister:  Doreen Eckert Graves.

Dudley learned much from both grandfathers.  M.U. was a devout Christian and Bible Student.  Widely known for his speaking and debating abilities.  Edgar Earl was an excellent farmer and much wisdom about life.  One of his sayings Dudley often repeated was, "If you buy something you don't need, its high at any price".

Dudley graduated from Campbellsburg High School.  It was here that he met his future wife, Marjorie Ellen Nicholson, a high schoool sweetheart.   They were married Janaury 27, 1946.  To them was born Ronald K. Chastain (Barbara Ledwinka) and Jana L. Chastain (Tim Moore).  Four grandchildren Beth R. Chastain George, Sarah R. Chastain (Chris Gentry), Craig T. Moore (Stephanie Fletcher) and Erica E. Moore (Jeremiah Gootee) along with 9 great-grandchildren survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00AM at Weathers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Cavetown Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 4-8PM and Saturday from 9AM-time of service.

Those wishing to donate to a charity instead of flowers may send contributions to:  Our Hospice of Jennings County, 245 Norris Avenue   North Vernon, Indiana  47265.