Elaine (Babb) Chastain

Elaine Chastain, 94, of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully Thursday, January 21, 2021. There will be a private burial in Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Texas.

Elaine Marjorie Babb was born July 8, 1926 to Elizabeth (Kirsch) and Maynard Babb in Malden, Mass.  She was the oldest of three children.  She attended schools in the East and Midwest, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania.  While a student, she married Richard Chastain in 1947.

Elaine dedicated herself to a lifetime of learning. She was the 18th registered histology technician in the country, having worked in labs in New York City and St. Louis while husband, Dick, interned and took his training in ophthalmology.  In 1955 the family moved to Amarillo.  During the 1960’s, Elaine worked and taught histology at Northwest Texas Hospital, and after becoming registered in medical technology, worked for Coffee Memorial Blood Center.  In the 1970’s she became a real estate broker and also earned her pilot’s license.  In 1981 she became a member of the National Association of Financial Consultants.  For several years she was the precinct chairperson for the Republican Party in Amarillo. She was past president of Chi Omega Alumnae, Aggie Mother’s Club, and Apartment Association of the Panhandle.

Elaine and Dick moved to Waco in 2002.  Subsequently, Elaine built Waco’s first “Made in America” home to support American workers and jobs.

She had a lifetime relationship with God and was active in church. Her favorite hymn was “In the Garden”.  She was faithful until the end; her last words were, “Take me, Lord”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; and husband of 63 years.  Left to cherish her memories are her children, David Chastain, M.D., Sandra Williams and husband Gary, a Waco dentist, whom she considered her second son; 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sara Babb; and many nieces and nephews. She loved all unconditionally.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to The Methodist Children’s Home in Waco.