Stephen Leon Chilton

Stephen (Steve) Leon Chilton, 73, of Wynnewood, OK, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Jacksonville, FL, surrounded by his family. Born on December 4, 1952, in Jefferson City, MO, Steve was the son of Fay (Sutton) and Leon Chilton. He grew up in Camdenton, MO, where his lifelong love of music, nature, and tinkering with anything mechanical first took root. After graduating from the University of Missouri at Rolla with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Steve moved to Oklahoma to begin what became a long and dedicated career at the Wynnewood Refinery. It was in Missouri, however, where he met his wife, Patricia (Pat) Blankenship. They married on June 5, 1976, in Kirkwood, MO. Steve was a man of many passions. He collected stamps and fishing reels, repaired pocket watches and clocks, and rebuilt model trains. He loved to read, often getting lost in books that fed his curiosity and love of learning. Some of his happiest moments were spent camping with his family or traveling to the mountains, where he felt most at peace. He was also an enthusiastic fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Missouri Tigers, cheering them on with loyalty and excitement every season. He was a member of several local and regional organizations including Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, Wynnewood Planning Commission, Wynnewood Kiwanis, and a Master Mason. Freemasonry was a cornerstone of Steve’s life. As a Master Mason, Past Master of the Wynnewood lodge, and an active participant in the Scottish Rite, he embraced the fraternity’s dedication to personal growth, community service, and moral principles. He found great fulfillment in supporting lodge events and contributing to the charitable efforts that strengthened his community. His fellow Masons knew him as a wise, dependable presence who led by example. Above all, Steve’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his daughters, Samantha (Chilton) Hanzel and her husband William Hanzel of Jacksonville, FL, and Valerie Chilton of Corpus Christi, TX; and by his beloved granddaughters, Hailey and Cora Hanzel, who brought him endless pride and delight. He also leaves behind his sister Jeanette (Chilton) Mastin of Cape Girardeau, MO and brothers Michael Chilton of McLean, VA, and Keith Chilton of Mesa, AZ. Steve is preceded in death by his wife Pat, his parents Leon and Fay, and his brother Alan Chilton. His passing came exactly eighteen years after the death of his wife, Pat, marking a poignant milestone for the family. While he will be deeply missed, Steve leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, humor, and service to his community—qualities that continue to live on in the family he loved. The family will be receiving friends Monday, February 16, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the DeArman Funeral Home in Wynnewood. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church in Wynnewood with graveside services to follow at the Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater at 3 p.m. Donations in his honor can be made to the Wynnewood Masonic Lodge.

Tributes

Stephen Leon Chilton

December 4, 1952 - February 9, 2026