Vernon Chester

NORFOLK, Va. -- Vernon "Bud" Chester, 82, of Norfolk formerly of Tamms, Ill., and Anna, Ill., died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004, at Ballentine Living Retirement Home in Norfolk.

He was born Apr. 8, 1921, in Tamms, son of Harry and Mabel Lingle Chester. He married Bernice Tucker on Dec. 25, 1946. She died Aug. 3, 1996.

He was a retired chief petty officer with the U.S. Navy after serving for 20 years. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Norfolk.

Survivors include two sons, Jackie H. Chester of Norfolk, Ronald H. Chester of Gulfport, Miss.; two sisters, Ruby Bledsoe of Maryville, Calif., Nadine Lentz of St. Louis; two brothers, Ray Chester of Goreville, Mo., and Jerry Chester of St. Louis; and several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, a brother and a sister.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms. Funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. at Beechwood Cemetery at Mounds, Ill., with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating.

Military graveside honors will be provided by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891.