Charles Edward Chattin, recognized around the state as one of the foremost leaders in vocational-technical education, passed away in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.
Mr. Chattin, 90, was the retired director of Vocational Education Region 10. He worked closely with heads of labor and industry to prepare youth for careers in the labor and technical markets. During his tenure, the 85 percent placement rate of students in their field of study proved the success of vocational education and was one of his proudest accomplishments. His successor, Howard Moore, described Charles as an educator who placed the students' interests first, firm in his principles and a friend who always enjoyed every moment of life.
Charles attended Russell High School, playing basketball and football for the Red Devils. He was a member of the 1939 All-District and All-Regional basketball teams. With a lifelong love of athletics, Charles played semi-pro baseball, coached Ashland Babe Ruth and officiated football and basketball throughout Kentucky and North Carolina.
In 1940, he married Marie Wolford. The couple relocated to Newport News, Va., where he was employed by Newport News Ship Building and Dry-dock. Entering the Air Force in 1941, Charles trained as a tail-gunner on B-25s. His service took him to various posts in the U.S.
He was a graduate of Morehead State Teachers College, earning a B.A. in physical education and science and an M.A. in education. Following graduation, Charles worked in vocational education and coached football, basketball and baseball for Greenville High School in Greenville, N.C.
Returning to the Ashland area, his involvement in various construction projects led him to his career in vocational education. In 1954, he was hired by the Ashland Board of Education to direct a vocational program in eastern Kentucky.
In 1968, Charles was named Region 10 director of vocational education. That year brought the completion of the new Ashland State Vocational and Technical School, a project he, along with U.S. Rep. Carl D. Perkins and Kentucky Gov. Ned Breathitt, fought tirelessly to fund. In 1982, a $3 million school expansion allowed several additional programs and the doubling of enrollment. Although Charles retired in 1989, he continued to follow the ever-changing structure of vocational education.
Charles was born Oct. 1, 1921, in St. Albans, W.Va., a son of the late Charles Edward and Nina Lee Woodard Chattin.
He was a member of BPO Elks Lodge 350, El Hasa Shrine of Ashland and the Ashland Board of Education in 1954. Charles was honored with a Governor's Merit and National Guardsman award. In 1975, the Ashland Jaycees named him Boss of the Year. He was a Kentucky colonel, recognized by numerous governors. From 1989 until 2003, he served on the selection committee of the Diederich Scholarship Fund.
As a strong Democrat, he worked diligently for those who represented his interest in vocational education. After retirement, he continued to closely follow local and national political issues.
During their 70-year marriage, Charles and Marie enjoyed ballroom dancing, gaming and traveling with family and friends. Their life together was honored with an Ashland City Proclamation in 2010.
Survivors include two daughters, Charrie Lee Tyler (Allen) of Cambridge, Md., and Nina Rea Preston of Ashland; grandchildren Tamara Tyler Schnoor (Freddie), Edward Tyler (Tracy), Kathryn Preston and Margaret Preston; great-grandchildren Tyler and Taylor Spears, Devon Tyler and Vivianne Miller; a great-great-grandchild, Aiden Peterson; a niece, Jenny Ball Crager (Buford); and a nephew, James Denny Ball (Martha).
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; his parents; a stepfather, Charles L. Walker; and a brother, Jack O. Chattin.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by Buford Crager. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum, with military rites by American Legion Post 93 of Kenova, W.Va.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Allen Tyler, Randy Rhodes, Greg Ball, Bryan Johnson, Edward Tyler and Howard Moore.
In honor of Mr. Chattin and his love of basketball, the family has requested donations may be sent to the Russell Independent School District, 409 Belfonte St., Russell, KY 41169 to help with repairs of the gym floor at the high school or Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
