BYRON JAY CHAON

BYRON JAY CHAON
Byron Jay Chaon passed away October 26, 2017 at age 52. Beloved husband, father and great friend is survived by his wife of 21 years, Paula, and two daughters, Morgan and Genevieve. 
Originally from Mendota, IL, Byron enlisted in the United States Navy in 1986 and was designated as a Naval Rescue Swimmer and Naval Aircrewman in the following year. Mr. Chaon flew over 100 combat support missions with the Proud Warriors of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) Forty Two in support of Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf. In 1988 he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for action associated with combat operations flown from the deck of the USS Nicholas (FFG-47). After discharge from the Navy, Byron earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and made his home in Jacksonville Beach. He continued to serve the Navy as a civilian instructor at the Mayport Weapons School, training other personnel in the art and science of helicopter combat tactics. In 2015 Byron made a career transition to landscaping, in pursuit of a life-long passion for gardening. Kind, caring, generous and funny, he will be missed by many. Funeral service arrangements at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Byron's Life was held at his home in Jacksonville Beach on November 3. For more information please email celebratebyronchaon@gmail.com. The family has requested donations to K9's for Warriors, www.k9sforwarriors.org, be made in lieu of flowers.