(MITCHELL) – Mitchell is mourning the loss of a great civic leader, former police chief and Mayor -Morris “Butch” Chastain.
Chastain passed away Saturday but left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Many words described Butch – loyal, dependable, and a person who served in many roles. He was a person who loved his family and reached out and served his community.
He served two years in Vietnam, 25 years in Mitchell Police Department, and eight years as Mayor of Mitchell. Chastain worked to make Mitchell, Indiana a better community.
“Butch Chastain took a chance on me many years ago when he allowed me to serve as a reserve officer for the City of Mitchell. He took a chance on me and I’ll forever be grateful for it,” said Mitchell Mayor J.D. England.
” There are few people who don’t have a memory of Butch. He was a big presence and influenced many lives in our community. Those are big shoes to fill for all of us,” added England.
Many throughout the community noted that Chastain was a man of faith and lived that faith every day.
” Mayor Chastain was like the North Star, you could guide your ship by it,” said Tyler Duncan Mitchell City Water Department.
Condolences from the Mitchell community and community leaders continue to pour in from the surrounding area who were touched by Butch. Butch’s memory will forever be in the heart of the Mitchell community.
Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday with military honors by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9107. The Spring Mill Order of Police No. 72 will conduct a memorial service.
