Scotty Gean Chitwood

Scotty Chitwood, 91, of Alma, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 13, 2025. He was born July 3, 1933 in Dyer to late D.C. and Hazel (Kosier) Chitwood. Scotty shared a special bond with his parents and sisters that remained strong throughout the years. Growing up in Alma, he developed a deep connection to the land and spent many joyful hours exploring the countryside that would later call him home again. He was a proud graduate of Alma High School’s class of 1953, where he played football for the Alma Airdales. Following graduation, his adventurous spirit led him to Ventura, California in 1954, where he began what would become a distinguished career in construction.

Scotty’s natural entrepreneurial talents enabled him to build one of the most successful commercial contracting businesses in California’s tri-Counties area. His expertise in the field earned him positions on numerous contracting boards, and he was frequently called upon to provide expert testimony in major construction defect trials. During his career, he even had the privilege of dining with then-Vice President Spiro Agnew while working on a project for the State Department.

Upon retiring, Scotty’s love for his roots brought him back to Alma and his beloved farm in Arkansas, where he spent his final years. His devoted companion, Dora, was by his side through many health challenges and until the very end.

Throughout his life, Scotty’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation of his strength, guiding him through numerous health challenges and life’s journey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene Chitwood.

Scotty is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Chitwood Duarte; granddaughter, Merilee Iverson; three great-grandchildren, Annika, Aria, and Austin Iverson; his beloved sister, Kay Chitwood; niece, Erica Sanders; and great-nephew, Phillip Shores.

A celebration of Scotty’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Dyer Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Hays, Phillip Shores, Jeremy Gregory, Edward Sherrill, Eric Iverson, and Christian Sherrill.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.