Robert "Bob" Chiles

CHILES, Robert B., age 87 of Vandalia, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was born December 11, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, son of the late Clarence B. & Alice (Heiney) Chiles. Bob was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and played football for their City Championship Team. He was a Boy Scout, a Boy Scout Leader and was instrumental in starting the Boy Scouts in his home church, St. Christopher Parish. He was active in the YMCA for several years in the Young Adult program as well as working in the membership office. Bob served in the U.S. Army, being part of the Army of Occupation in Germany after WWII. He began his career with the U.S. Postal Service during WWII by carrying a mail route after high school each day. He retired as Postmaster of Vandalia after 39 ½ years of service. He was also involved with the Ohio State Postmasters Association.

Bob served as Past-President of the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce and later served eight years as the Executive Secretary. He helped with the annual Dayton Air Show parade for many years and was honored as its Grand Marshall in 2014. Bob was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church and was active in many capacities, including serving as one of the first Lay Lectors of the parish which he enjoyed doing for many years. Bob was a member of Sister Cities of Vandalia since 1979. He enjoyed several visits to Lichtenfels, Germany and Prestwick, Scotland where he made wonderful friendships that endure to this day. He was also active in the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association, serving as Past President and also on the Board of Directors. He received their prestigious Ralph Winkler Memorial Award in 1995. Bob was the Chairman of the MVMAA/Presidents Club annual golf outing held at WPAFB for 30 years and received the ultimate honor of having the tournament renamed the “Bob Chiles Classic.” In 1998, Bob was honored with the President’s Club Distinguished Service Award. He enjoyed his family, the outdoors, golf and bowling, and was active for many years in the Postal Federal National Bowling Tournament.

Preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Laura Marie Chiles in 1995, and his 6 siblings, Helen Isenhart, Betty Allen, Marianna Hofferberth, Lillian Briggs, Doris Butterbaugh and Jack Chiles, Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Thea (Pfeiffer); 4 children, Timothy James Chiles (Jetta), Christopher Robert Chiles (Jennifer), Gregory Scott Chiles (Lori) and Carl Anthony Chiles; grandchildren, Rusty (Sanja), Kevin (Jessica), Amber (Sam), Roger (Alaina), Robert (Heather), Corrine, Samantha, Annie, & Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Gabriel, Tyler, Emma, Andrew, Madison, Taylor & Lukas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and wonderful friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, November 30 at St. Christopher Church, 435 E. National Rd., Vandalia with Fr. Francis Keferl officiating. Interment to follow at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia on Sunday from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fisher House, Inc., P.O. Box 33871, WPAFB, OH 45433 or to St. Christopher Church in Bob’s memory.