Elmo Junior Chiles, 95, of Checotah, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the St. Francis Hospital of Muskogee.

Elmo was born on Feb. 23, 1929, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, the son of Clarence A. and Dobbie (Lewis) Chiles. He attended school in Hoffman and Grayson, Oklahoma. He later received his GED in Los Angles, California.

Elmo served in the United States Air Force from 1947-1953. Elmo earned several commendations including the Japan Occupation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, he met and married the love of his life, Norma L. Richardson. They were married for 72 years.

Elmo worked at Lockheed Aircraft as an electrical inspector in Ontario for nine years. He later worked at McDonald Douglas in Long Beach, California, as an electrical inspector for 30 years.

Elmo was a dedicated member of the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. He was awarded for his honesty, commitment, consistency and hard work. He retired as Senior Deacon and Treasurer.

Elmo is survived by his wife, Norma, of the home, sister Elouise Tinzley and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Chiles Sr., mother Dobbie Lewis Chiles, stepmother Estelle Chiles, grandmother and grandfather, Lucinda and Elmo Chiles, brothers, Clarence, Thurlin, Lawrence, and Theopolis Chiles, sisters, Dorris Jones, Billie MacIngram, Lucinda Chiles, Barbara Jean Borders, Dolly Ella Chiles, Corine Madison and Cecile Chiles.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church.

Burial will be 2 p.m., at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hbmfuneralhome. com