Efton Lynn Chism

Efton was born on September 8, 1947 in Fort Edward, NY to Neal and Marguerite Chism. He transitioned to his eternal home on June 24, 2025, in a most precious and sacred way while in the arms of his daughter.

Efton is survived and dearly missed by his wife Kathy Chism, his children Dawn and Efton II, and his daughter-in-law, Kristy. He is forever cherished and remembered by his five grandchildren, Camille, Efton III, Steven, Sahara, and Sydney; his sisters Sr Jocie-Rhea Chism and Marjaneal Doescher; his loving in-laws, Elaine, Tim, Renee, Meredith, Sue, Lucy, Rosie, Valerie, Duane, Julie, Mike, and Mary; and his 52 nieces and nephews.

He was born in Fort Edward, NY and spent his very early childhood attending Fort Edward Elementary School. At the age of 6, his father moved the family to Everett, WA to work at Scott Paper Company. Efton attended Immaculate Conception Grade School in Everett and in 7th grade entered Saint Edward Seminary until his senior year. In 1965 he graduated from Everett High School and then served four years in the Air Force. The majority of his career was spent at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard working his way from Pipe Fitter to Nuclear Coordinator and then to Production Superintendent where he, in part, oversaw the nuclear infrastructure and capabilities of U.S. aircraft carriers and trident submarines.

As an avid, highly skilled outdoorsman, some of his best days were spent golfing, hunting, fishing, camping and taking numerous road trips. He first circled the nation in 1981 in his orange Tioga Motorhome with his wife, kids, parents, and sister Rhea, visiting family and numerous national parks, historical monuments, and landmarks. This trip gave his children a U.S. History education that was far superior to any textbook. After retiring at age 55, he and his wife Kathy moved into a 40 ft Pace Arrow motorhome to continue traveling every corner of the nation and beyond, from the southern tip of Florida to the Alcan Highway in Alaska, including 10 of the 12 Canadian Provinces.

Although a quiet man, he was well liked by all he encountered and welcomed everyone to his home for bountiful BBQs, fun-filled pool parties, card games, and countless holiday gatherings and celebrations. He embodied all aspects of a quintessential patriarch by always putting family first, never ceasing to support those around him, and providing tangible help to anyone who needed it. He maintained our cars, improved our plumbing and electrical systems, provided hours of monotonous painting/staining, landscaped our yards, built our sheds, replaced our gutters, windows and screens, renovated 3 kitchens and bathrooms, built 4 fences and 3 decks (that we’re aware of), and provided hands-on supervision of two home builds, including his own home in Bremerton, WA and his son’s home in Monroe, WA. The world is a better place because he was in it.

Efton lived a life of meaningful acts of love and service, none of which were more profound than the unconditional devotion he had for his bride of 53 years. There are no words that can express how much we will miss this quiet, gentle giant. It is true that actions speak louder than words. It was an honor and a privilege to see this man in action.

A celebration of life will be held on August 31st at 1:00 PM in his daughter’s home: 15001 52nd Ave SE, Everett, WA 98208. Please RSVP via text to Dawn by August 22nd (206-669-9381).