Herb Chinworth

Herb Chinworth, currently of North Manchester, IN died Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was born April 17, 1920 to Augustus and Lockie Double Chinworth in Warsaw, IN. He was preceded in death by his spouse Arlene Clara (Wegener) Chinworth (2015), an older brother Augustus, Jr. (2003), a younger brother Richard (1979), and son Steven Chinworth (2015). He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1938, attended Manchester College before transferring to Purdue University where he received a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1942. He then went to work for Dow Chemical that fall. He enlisted in the service in 1944 as an Ensign in the Navy, serving in both the European and Pacific theaters. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1945 and released to inactive duty in 1946 to Great Lakes Naval Station. He received a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1947. On October 20, 1951 he married Arlene Wegener of Auburn, MI. They had four children: Steven Chinworth (deceased), Mary (David) Schallert of Fennville, MI, James (Debbie) of North Manchester, IN, and Wesley (Nancy) of North Judson, IN. In 1958 they moved to Ludington, MI where Herb continued to work for Dow Chemical until his retirement in 1980. He was active in various civic organizations, including: the Boy Scouts, the Elks, the Masons (Master Mason at the lodge in Warsaw, IN), United Way, and Optimists. He was a member of the Congregational Community Church of Ludington for 49 years serving on the church board, chair of board of elders, president of the congregation, singing in the choir, and playing hand bells. He was the primary organizer and cook for the weekly men’s prayer breakfast from 1980-2010. Herb became a member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington where he served on the board and played on a regular basis enjoying the company of good friends in the Dow League, Saturday morning play, the annual Member-Guest, teaching his children the game, or sharing a meal in the dining room. He participated in a variety of social activities including bowling leagues, bridge club, tennis league or just playing a game of pinochle with his family. Herb became a philanthropist supporting various educational and community projects both with time and talent. Herb and Arlene lived in Ludington until the summer of 2010 before moving to Timbercrest Retirement Community in North Manchester. In addition to three of his children and daughters/son-in-law he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 10:30am in the chapel of the Timbercrest Retirement Community, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Herbert Chinworth, memorial contributions may be to Manchester University, Chinworth Center, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962 or Timbercrest Retirement Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Community Church, 109 N. Harrison, Ludington, MI 469431.  Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com