Howard Felton Chastain Jr.

Howard Felton Chastain, Jr., retired Marietta Fire Chief passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017. Mr. Chastain was born November 15, 1932 on the family farm in Kennesaw, GA, son of the late Howard F. Chastain, Sr. and Alfie E. Chastain. He lived on the very plot of land where he was born and passed away there 84 years after his birth. Mr. Chastain is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Martha M. Chastain; daughter and son- in-law, Cindy and Dennis Debes; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Janice Chastain; three grandchildren, Melissa Stephens (husband Luke); Matthew Debes; Kaitlyn Chastain; two great- grandchildren, Gracie Stephens and Gabriel Stephens. He is also survived by four sisters, Frances Bankston; Lillian Worley; Evelyn Pounds and Linda Arnett, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by sister Clara Champion. Mr. Chastain was a 1951 graduate of Acworth High School. He was drafted into the Army in May 1953 serving two years during the Korean War. Returning from military service in April 1955, he began working at Lockheed. In December 1959 he began his career with the Marietta Fire Department starting as a firefighter and ultimately earning the position of fire chief in 1980. One of his first acts as chief was to establish an emergency medical technician (EMT) Program to train firefighters in providing medical assistance. In 1986 he helped establish the city’s 911 system and in 1989 established a Hazardous Materials Team (HAZ-MAT). One of his final accomplishments as fire chief was restoration of the “Aurora” antique steam fire engine originally built in 1879 and still on display today at the Marietta Fire Museum. After serving 33 years with the Marietta Fire Department including 12 ½ years as fire chief, he retired in 1992 at the age of 60. During retirement Mr. Chastain enjoyed time on his tractor – farming his vegetable garden, spending time with family and friends, fishing, as well as traveling throughout Europe, Australia and all 50 states. He and his wife Martha were members of the Marietta Sister Cities program Traveling to Marietta Sister City, Linz Germany as well as hosting visitors from Linz Germany in their home. Mr. Chastain was a member of numerous organizations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association, Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs. Throughout his life he served on numerous church committees, taught Sunday School and was a Deacon. He was currently a member of First Baptist Church of Woodstock. The family will receive visitors Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Square location. A funeral service will be held Sunday March 12, 2017, 3:00 PM at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Marietta, GA. Dr. William Camp and Dr. Johnny Hunt will officiate. Interment will follow at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Howard Felton Chastain, Jr.

Howard Felton Chastain Jr.

November 15, 1932 - March 9, 2017