Katherine Chidley

Katherine Khaki Chidley, 91, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2010 in San Angelo. She was born the youngest of five children on September 19, 1919, at the family home in Waco to Thomas Asa Jenkins and Mildren Craven Jenkins. Katherine attended Waco High School and graduated from Baylor University. After graduation she worked as a civilian for the Army Corps of Engineers directly under Colonel Tyler who was charged with the initial construction of Camp Hood, now known as Fort Hood. Among other things Katherine was responsible for recording, by short-hand, President Roosevelt's speech and Declaration of War after the Attack on Pearl Harbor. She then accepted a position working in the Office of Materiel Management in the construction of the Al-Can Highway and left Camp Hood by railway for an adventure in Canada. After World War II, Katherine attended Texas Wesleyan, Fort Worth and obtained her teacher's certificate. She taught Business and English at Bynum High School in Bynum for many years. While teaching she earned her Master's Degree at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. Katherine retired from Bynum School District and moved to Hillsboro. She served her community in many ways; teaching adults to read, volunteering at the Gift Shop at Hill Regional Hospital and also at her church, St. Mary's Episcopal. In the summer of 2002, she moved to San Angelo to be closer to her daughter. Katherine was a selfless mother, teacher, and friend. She is survived by her children, Claudia Childey and Ron Allison of San Angelo; Bill and Carol Chidley of Wasilla, AK; David and Elena Childley of Aurora IL; beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.