John Lewis Chastain

John Lewis Chastain, 72, of San Angelo, went to God on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

He was born on April 1, 1951, to Billie Paul and Nettie Mae Cathey Chastain in Fort Worth, TX, shortly after the family moved to San Angelo. Little did he know at the time, but he would have met his soulmate, Patsy, when they were both very young (and they have baby pictures to prove it). He attended San Angelo Schools and graduated from Central High School.

During their formative years, John and Patsy lived separate lives, but at 18, during his senior year, he remembered her. He made phone calls to all of his friends trying to locate her, he finally did when she was a 15-year-old freshman. Her mother allowed them to marry when she was just 16. John enlisted in the Army in 1970. He was a fleet supervisor and was stationed in Alaska during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he and Patsy moved back to San Angelo where he used his benefits to enroll in nursing school at Angelo State University. Upon arrival in Dallas, John and Patsy both attended Elkins Institute for photography.  John went on to Eastfield College to obtain a welding degree. He co-authored a book on welding in which he took all the photographs. This book was used the next year at Eastfield as an elective. He mastered the Spanish guitar (flamenco) and composed many of his own songs in rock and roll.

John also attended the University of Texas at Arlington. He worked as a critical care nurse in several hospitals across the DFW area. He finally found his place at the VA Hospital in Dallas where he worked serving veterans from 1998-2017. Upon retirement, John and Patsy moved back to San Angelo, where he would make his part-time hobby of taking pictures to full time. He loved to share all of the moments he was able to capture, whether it be of landscapes or animals.

John will always be remembered as a highly intelligent, extremely caring individual. His compassion for people knew no bounds and he was always willing to help in any way that he could.

John is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Chastain. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patsy Chastain; his niece, Kimberly and nephew, Byron Chastain and wife Hayley; as well as many friends and acquaintances.

Thank you, God, for the time we had together on earth. I lived every day of my life for you. You are the sunshine of my soul and the love of my life. I shall be grateful for every moment, day, year or years God gives me on this earth, but for now, I will have to wait patiently for my time to join my husband for an eternity in Heaven. I will wait every moment to see and be with your smiling spirit.

Your loving wife,

Patsy