Lt. Col. Frances Chathams

[ironputts]

January 20, 2021

Lt. Col. Frances Chathams
Keystone Country Composite Squadron
Pennsylvania Wing

Frances Jean Chathams, 88 of Altoona died unexpectedly Friday morning January 15, 2021 at UPMC Altoona from complications due to COVID-19.

She was born May 15, 1932 in Buffalo Mills a daughter of the late Clarence Gamble and Ida May (Ream) Shomo. She married Ronald Dale Chathams on October 14, 1961 in Bedford County. He preceded her in death April 22, 2019.

Surviving are three children, daughter Sandra Jane Chathams of Buffalo Mills; son Thomas Paul Chathams of Altoona; daughter Diane Joyce White (Christopher Schroth) of Altoona; grandson Dustin Chathams of Buffalo Mills; granddaughter Tarah Logsdon (Matt) of Hyndman; and three great grandchildren, Spencer, Elizabeth and Mason; a brother, William Shomo of Hyndman; two sisters, Dora Davidson (Ed) and Helen Smith (Kenneth) all of Buffalo Mills; a special niece, Linda Czartoszewski of Canal Fulton, Ohio; and numerous extended family members.
Frances was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Shomo and a sister, Hazel Tate. Mrs. Chathams was a member of Second Avenue United Methodist Church, Altoona. She was a 1951 graduate of Schellsburg-Napier High School.
Fran was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War attaining the rank of Airman First Class. She retired as a transportation aide from Lindsey Bus Lines with over ten years' service. She was previously employed as an operator for United Telephone. She was a 40-year member, Lieutenant Colonel and Past Commander with Squadron 1504, Civil Air Patrol and a life member and treasurer of the Air Force Association.

Frances enjoyed working in her garden.

Special Note:

Members of Pennsylvania Wing,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Lt Col Frances Chathams of Keystone Country Composite Squadron 1504 Altoona, PA. She passed away on Friday morning, January 15, 2021 from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 88.

Lt. Col. Chathams was a long serving faithful member of Civil Air Patrol and Sq 1504 for over 40 years and held various duty positions, including Squadron Commander, Finance Officer, Professional Development Officer and Testing Officer.  Most recently she held the duty position of assistant finance officer and was a member of the Finance Committee and Promotion Review Board. Lt. Col. Chathams completed Level IV of the Senior member development program in 1990 and held a Master rating in the personnel specialty track.

Lt Col Chathams served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of A1C. Her son, Maj. Thomas Chathams, is also a former Squadron 1504 commander and is still a member of the unit.  Below is the link to Lt. Col. Chathams obituary in the Altoona Mirror.  She was a kind and caring person who was an inspiration to us all.  She will be greatly missed!

May she rest in peace.

Kevin

Col Kevin Berry, CAP
Pennsylvania Wing Commander