Former West Memphis Mayor Leo Chitman passes away

Groundbreaking civic leader was city’s first Black mayor

ralphhardin@gmail.com A trailblazing local lawmaker has passed away.

Leo Chitman was elected in 1982 to the office of Mayor of West Memphis. It was a strange election, with a crowded field of six candidates. Chitman led the field, and with no runoff provision at the time, won the race.

He served a as mayor for one term, unseated by Keith Ingram four years later, but his election was unprecedented, as Chitman was the first, and until 2018 only, Black mayor the city had ever had.

Incidentally, Chitman’s election was historic for another reason. Appalled at the election of a mayor with just 16% of the vote, the Arkansas Legislature quickly passed a new law that would require any municipal candidate to win at least 51 percent of the vote to win an election — as seen in 2018, when another crowded ballot resulted in a runoff between Marco McClendon and Wayne Croom.

McClendon would go on to win the election and become the city’s second Black mayor.

Chitman remained an active member of the community after leaving office, serving on a number of boards and service organizations. When McClendon took office, Chitman was among the first guests the new mayor hosted in his office at City Hall.

The City of West Memphis’s social media was among the first to note Chitman’s passing on Wednesday afternoon.

“We are deeply saddened this evening to share the loss of former West Memphis mayor, Leo Chitman,” said the post.

“Chitman, the first elected African-American mayor served from 1982-1986.

During his time in office, Mayor Chitman worked to heal racial divides and move the city of West Memphis forward. It was Chitman’s historic victory that paved the way for other African-American leaders to be elected citywide, including current mayor Marco McClendon.” McClendon offered his own remarks following the news.

“During my first few days in office, Mayor Chitman stopped by City Hall to offer words of congratulations, encouragement, and counsel”, said McClendon.

“Because of his trailblazing journey, I was able to go farther than I ever could have dreamed or envisioned” McClendon. also thanked Chitman for his contributions to the community.

“The heartfelt prayers of a city grateful for his service, go out to the Chitman family during your time of loss and bereavement,” he said.

He was not alone with those offering kind words about Chitman.

Lester Sells said, “Condolences to the family. I worked for the city during his administration. He was a great leader and Christian man.”

Said Debra Davis, “He was definitely a trailblazer. He gave so much to so many.

His legacy lives on.”

“Loved Mr Leo,” said Carla Hicks he was a great school principal long before he was Mayor and he will never be forgotten.”

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File photo CHITMAN (cont.)

Chitman’s granddaughter Lakenna Booker shared her thoughts about her grandfather.

“He was so proud of me, she said. “And I was just as proud to be his granddaughter. If I ever got discouraged in life, I thought about what you accomplished. Your shoulders were so big and broad, Grandpa. I know you were tired…Rest in the peace of knowing you are loved beyond your years on this earth. You were blessed to see so many generations beyond you. Your knowledge, power, and tenacity live on in us. I will forever understand what it means to be a Chitman. You carried the load so we could think of more efficient ways to change the world.

Mayor Leo Chitman, Grandpa…your work is done here…your life of everlasting rest is upon you. I love you too much!” Funeral arrangements for Leo Chitman are still being made. They will be made available here in the Times or on the Evening Times Facebook page as soon as they are released.