Marlo Dale Chilman, 85, passed away at his Washington, Indiana, home on July 29, 2023. He was born on November 16, 1937, in Platte, South Dakota, to Claus Magnus Chilman and Ellen (Knudsen) Chilman. The family moved from South Dakota to North Vernon, Indiana, in 1950, and Marlo graduated from North Vernon High School in 1955. Marlo served in the Air Force, working as a medic, which led to his interest in the field of physical therapy, which would become his career. He graduated from Indiana University in 1966 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Therapy, and worked for Community Hospital and Turtle Creek Convalescent Homes, before moving to Washington, Indiana, in 1972. He founded his own physical therapy company and began contracting with the Daviess County Hospital and several rehab facilities. Marlo continued to practice physical therapy in several different settings, Daviess/Martin Special Education, Princeton Hospital, Greene County Hospital, Preferred Home Health, and maintained an independent practice. Throughout his career, Marlo took great pride in the work he did, bringing new and innovative practices to Daviess County. His expertise drew patients from all over the state.
Marlo was a true adventurer, and lived life to the fullest. He loved SCUBA diving, underwater photography, drag racing, tractor pulling, target shooting, and enjoyed restoring and showing classic cars. He loved and appreciated nature, especially the woods, and instilled this love in his children and grandchildren. Marlo was a voracious reader and student of history. With his wonderful smile and easygoing ways, he never met a stranger. His kindness, warmth, sense of humor and zest for life drew friends of all ages over the years. His openness, curiosity, and love of learning kept him young and vital, and he set a stellar example for all of his children and grandchildren, in how to live fully and well. He was beloved beyond measure by his family, and will be sorely missed.
Marlo is survived by his wife, Alice Jones, and his children: Erika (Neal) Roach of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jason Chilman of Washington, Indiana; and Sarah (Steve) Milligan of Sellersburg, Indiana, stepchildren: Michael (Kristy) Jones of Loogootee, Indiana; John Jones of Montgomery, Indiana, grandchildren: Sam (Kaylie) Roach; Sydney Roach; Zachary and Alyssa Chilman; Cailin and Colin Milligan, greatgrandson, Magnus Peter Roach; stepgrandchildren: Christopher Jones; Mikenna Jones; Isaiah Jones, all of Loogootee, Indiana, and Brooklyn Jones; and Addison Jones, both of Montgomery, Indiana. Marlo leaves siblings: brother, Kenneth (Eunice) Chilman of Carbondale, Illinois; sister, Jane (Jim) Hamblen of North Vernon, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Eva Chilman of North Vernon, Indiana. Additionally, he leaves several nieces and nephews as well as several great-nephews.
Marlo was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and Claus Chilman, and a brother, Wayne Chilman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lighthouse Recovery Center at 712 West Main Street, Washington, Indiana 47501, or the 20th Century Chevy Car Club, Inc.
Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary, 620 East Viola Avenue, Washington, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, August 4, 2023, also at the Ed L. Lee Mortuary. Pastor Brad Rainey will officiate. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery, 7936-7970 Chicken Farm Road, Shoals, Indiana. The Washington American Legion will accord Marlo Chilman military honors at the gravesite.
Condolences may be left online at www.edleemortuary.com.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with Marlo Chilman’s arrangements.
