Earl Robert Chitwood

Earl R. Chitwood was born in Garland County, Arkansas, near Hot Springs, and grew up at the farm home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Chitwood. He came to Knox County, Texas as a young man, where he met and later married Miss Nettie Knight, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. J.D. Knight of Vera, Texas. He and his wife have one daughter, Mrs. M. Foster Barnes of Amarillo and three grandchildren.

He was for many years in the grocery business in Wichita Falls and Amarillo. He is now in the general insurance business in Amarillo. He and his wife are long time active members of the First Baptist Church of Amarillo. He is very active in civic affairs, being a member of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, presently serving on the Legislative Affairs Committee; is Past President of the “Amarillo West” Kiwanis Club and served several years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Amarillo Community Center.

Brother Chitwood was Raised a Master Mason in Joseph A. Kemp Lodge No. 1287, Wichita Falls, Texas, and in 1951 he affiliated as a Charter Member of San Jacinto Lodge No. 1330, Amarillo, and served that Lodge as Master in 1955-56, and at the same time served as President of the Masters, Wardens and Secretary’s Association of the 99th Masonic District. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 122nd Masonic District in 1966. He is a Life Member of San Jacinto Lodge No. 1330, and holds a Life Certificate of Proficiency in the Esoteric Work of the Grand Lodge of Texas.

Companion Chitwood was Exalted to the Sublime Degree of Royal Arch Mason in Amarillo Chapter No. 196, and served that Chapter as High Priest in 1964-65. He served the 42nd Capitular District as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1972, has served appointments in the Grand Chapter, holds a Certificate of Proficiency in the Esoteric Work of the Grand Chapter, is a member of the Order of High Priesthood, the Esoteric Association of Texas, and is a Life Member of Amarillo Chapter No. 196, R.A.M.

Companion Chitwood was Greeted a Select Master in Amarillo Council No. 134, and served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1966-67, and served the 42nd Cryptic District as District Deputy Grand Master in 1969. He received the Super Excellent Masters Degree in 1973. He is Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Minnesota near the Grand Council of Texas, has held appointive offices in the Grand Council, is a member of the Order of the Silver Trowel, holds a Certificate of Proficiency in the Esoteric Work of the Grand Council and is a Life Member of Amarillo Council No. 134, R.&S.M. He was elected to the office of Grand Principal Conductor of the Work in 1974, passed through the Chairs, and was elected and installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas, November 30, 1976, and served during the year 1977.

He was Knighted in Amarillo Commandery No. 48, and has served in several offices, both elective and appointive.

Brother Chitwood was a member of the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies from 1945 to 1960 when he affiliated with the El Paso Scottish Rite Bodies where he has served on several committees. In 1971, he was honored with the rank and decoration of “Knight Commander Court of Honour”. He is a member and Past President of the Amarillo Scottish Rite Association.

Noble Chitwood was made a member of Masket Temple of the Shrine, Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1945 and affiliated with Khiva Temple of Amarillo in 1951.

He is an active member of Texas Lodge of Research, member of York Rite College No. 36, Lubbock, Texas, and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

He and his wife are members of A.E. Shirley Chapter No. 986, Order of the Eastern Star, Amarillo, and he served that Chapter as Worthy Patron in 1953-54, and has been honored with several appointments in the Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star.