Freddie Lee Chitwood

Fred Chitwood, 77, died July 16, 2025 after admitting into hospice at Hope West.

He was born on August 3, 1947 in Pilot Knob, Missouri. He was the son of the late Omer Lee Chitwood and Alma Wilma Chitwood

He was a Veteran of the US Marines

Manager at McDonald's restaurant at Natural Bridge & Hanley near University of Missouri-St Louis. He was in line to be a store manager after receiving his "Bachelors of Hamburgerology" from McDonald's Hamburger University in Oak Brook, Illinois. McDonald's Hamburger U is a select program for managers and franchise owners that is active today at Oak Brook, Tokyo, London, Sydney, Munich, and Shanghai. Fred was getting close to receiving a draft notice when he enlisted in the Marines, but a bleeding stomach ulcer led to an early discharge. Fred then employed his engaging personality as a car salesman at Francis Chevrolet, where he was one of their top salesmen. He then parlayed that experience into selling motor homes for Open Road. Open Road was a prominent RV manufacturer of Class A motorhomes in the 1970s. The oil embargo in 1973-74 dramatically affected the RV industry. This caused Fred to move to a large car and boat dealership in Denver, Colorado where he again was very successful. After several years in Denver, he moved back to St. Louis working as a manager for Suntrup GMC in St. Peters for an extended period. Fred developed circulation issues in one of his legs which ultimately led to amputation. After his surgery and rehab, Fred again leaned upon his personal skills to open a couple small businesses. One consistent theme that Fred demonstrated through his life was resiliency and optimism. With any setback he always landed on his feet. Fred never bent to bad luck or adversity. After he lost his leg, he had several prosthetic legs, some that were uncomfortable or even painful. Nonetheless, he continued to work and would decorate his prosthetic leg with an American Flag or other colorful stockings. He was proud of its contribution to his mobility, rather than regretful of his loss.

He enjoyed watching sports and was a big Denver Broncos fan

Fred loved his family and family time. The family loved playing family board games.

Fred is preceded in death by: Omer Lee Chitwood (father), Alma Wilma Chitwood (mother), John Chitwood (brother), Tommy Chitwood (brother), Sharran Chitwood (wife), Scott Wood (son), Matthew Smith (son)

Fred is survived by: Son- Sean Marchant (Diane), Son- Russ Payton (Shelly), Son- Brad Chitwood (Courtney), Daughter- Regina McDaniel (Jamie), Son- Jimmy Wood, Daughter- Lisa Barton (Chris), Grandson- Shane Marchant, Granddaughter- Makayla Wade (Trevor), Granddaughter- Sydney Chitwood (Zack), Grandson- Ryder Chitwood, Grandson- Jon McDaniel (Sarah), Grandson- Gavin McDaniel, Granddaughter- Hannah McDaniel, Granddaughter- Brooke Caldwell (Ryan), Granddaughter- Megan Barton, Granddaughter- Madelyn Barton, Grandson- Jake Smith, Grandson- Gabe Smith, Great-Grandkids- Finley & Quinn McDaniel, Oliver Caldwell

No services will be held

We would like to thank everyone at Hope West for the incredible and compassionate care they all showed Fred.

Please consider making a memorial contribution in Fred's name to Hope West Hospice 3090 N 12th Street Grand Junction, CO 81506