Phillip L. Chastain
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phillip L. Chastain, a beloved and cherished husband, father, friend, pilot, and a beacon of humor and kindness to all who knew him. Phil was born on April 16, 1944 in Wichita, KS. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 16, 2024 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, service, and a repertoire of remarkable flights.
Phil’s second home was Creve Coeur Airport where he spent countless hours for both business and above all, pleasure. His vast knowledge of aviation was matched only by his eagerness to help others. Whether he was offering a word of advice, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a laugh, Phil made everyone around him feel like part of a close-knit flying family.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Betty( Renz); his two children, Michael (Penny) and Robert (Kim); his grandchildren, Alexis, Christopher, Abigail, Hannah, Aidan, Keaton, Oliver, and Thea; nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends who considered him family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and May Belle and his brother Terry. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a cause that was important to Phil, Wings of Hope, or a charity of your choice.
Phil’s journey may have ended, but his spirit of adventure, humor, and kindness will continue to soar in the hearts of all who knew him. Fly high Phil, and thank you for the many skies you’ve brightened. May your flights be smooth and your landings always perfect.
Uncle Phil was someone we looked up to, but never more than when our father, Phil’s brother Terry, was going through his own battle and Uncle Phil was the one the family turned to for support. He helped us through trying times and was ever the jokester filling every situation with humor. We will miss you uncle Phil. Our family pool events won’t be the same.
Mike, Rob, Aunt Betty and family, much love in your time of sadness, he led a full and fruitful life, one where he could display his craftsmanship in his many hobbies. We know he was ready.
Their father, mother ; Phil & Terry now Betty have been wonderful respected aviation teachers; stimulus, & outright friends; even participating in my family since 1963. They made Arrowhead Airport into a family , not a cold location to store airplanes. We at Creve Coeur will forever miss his family & must continue the tradition of congeniality & welcome; remembrance.
Missing them ,
VIVIEN, Douglas, Curtis, Terry
I first met Phil at Midcoast in the early 80s when he flew for Petrolite. I flew with him many times in Citations and always enjoyed the trips we flew and considered him a fine pilot and a great guy. After decades of airline flying I returned to General Aviation and was happily surprised to run into Phil once again. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
John Sharkey
Betty please accept my condolences. I was fortunate enough to count myself one of Phils’ friends. I first met him as one of my BMW customers in the 80’s when he would bring his car in for service. I was a wannabe airplane builder and pilot at the time and when I learned about everything Phil had going on at Creve Coeur airport I was an immediate fan. I got into the habit of stopping by his hanger whenever I went to the airport. He might be doing an annual on a P-51, getting a Tiger Moth ready to take out for a spin, giving a ride in Al’s SNJ to a customer, working on his Bonanza, or playing with one of his RC planes. When I finally did get my airplane built and my pilot certificate Phil was instrumental in helping me get all the kinks worked out always around for advice or to tow me back to my hanger after a dead stick landing. I miss him dearly.