WALTONVILLE - Chester Ellsworth Dees, 92, died at 2:40 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, in Nature Trail Health Center in Mount Vernon.

Chester was born in Jefferson County on Oct. 5, 1916, the son of Homer and Elsie (Cogan) Dees.

On June 1, 1946, he married Margaret Hester in Piggot, Ark., who passed away Sept. 11, 1982.

Chester proudly served his country during World War II. He served in the U.S. Army's Americal division in the Pacific Theater for 3 years and 7 months. He fought in many key battles including Guadalcanal in the Pacific Theater for 3 years and 7 months. He fought in many key battles including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and on several Philippines Islands., Bougainville, and on several Philippines Islands.

Chester worked in the grocery business, including Andy Stevens Grocery store in Waltonville and 16 years for A and P stores in Mount Vernon and several other cities in Southern Illinois.

He is survived by his son, Danny Dees of Texico; his only sister, Blanche (Dees) Flatt of Benton, best friend, Marjorie Dame of Sesser; and several nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderful friends and neighbors who he loved so much.

Chester was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents; and his only brother, Orland Dees.

Chester was a devout Christian and faithfully attended the Waltonville Methodist Church. For those who knew him, you know how much he loved life and the people who he shared it with.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, in Newell Funeral Home in Waltonville, with the Rev. Tom Miller officiating. Burial will be in Knob Prairie Cemetery in Waltonville, with military honors provided by the American Legion post 141 of Mount Vernon. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, at the funeral home.

For those wishing, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Waltonville or the Knob Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, you may call Newell Funeral Home at 279-7272 or visit at www.newellfuneralhome.com.

Source: The Southern Illinoisan
Date: February 14-15, 2009