Jonathan Arthur Chester, son of the late Laurence Eugene and Viola Jane (Cross) Chester, was born Nov. 10, 1950, in Faribault, Minn., and departed this life Jan. 23, 2022, at his home in Mountain Grove. He was 71 years, 2 months and 13 days of age. Chester loved the cold climate in which he was raised, but left it to pursue a career in the United States Army directly out of high school. He served his country in Vietnam, the former West Germany, and in South Korea. While serving, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement, Army Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Expert Infantry Badge, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Oversea Service Bars, Marksman Qualification Badge and Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the service as a Sergeant First Class, he attended South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Wash., along with one of his daughters. He graduated with an Associate of Technology Arts in Drafting Technology. In addition to furthering his education, SFC Chester served in missions work in the Philippines, Mexico and the United States. Chester loved the woods, guns, putting together miniature cars and trucks, driving big machinery and raising farm animals. Most of all, he loved playing board games and attending events with his grandchildren. Chester was a member and regular attender at Cabool Assembly of God. One of his greatest pleasures in life was to help people in need. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Ruth Chester; three daughters, Loriann Ruth Wixom and husband, Barry; Honey Ann Brincken and husband, Joel; and Mary Ann Tukia and husband, Lepiano; nine grandchildren, Carolyn and husband, Christopher Green, Zachariah, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Senesi, Ana, Petra, Aiona and Sonatane; two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Atara; six sisters, Dolly Wilson, Laura Lien, Marlys Chester, Sylvia Raway, Fawn Paulson and Cherri Pofahl; two brothers, Eldon and Kelsey Chester; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly. Memorial services with reception following will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at the Cabool Assembly of God. Arrangements are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Burial with full military honors will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Ft. Leonard Wood.
