Melvin Jerry Chester, 81, Home, PA, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, after a short illness.
Born September 7,1942 in Missouri, he was the son of George Washington and Maude Alice (Schatz) Chester.
Jerry trained and groomed harness horses, beginning in California (grooming horses for Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, and Michael Landon) to New York, Canada and Kentucky, where he spent time watching TV with Jay Silverheels (Tonto). He then went on to Florida and back to the Meadows in Washington, PA where he met the love of his life, Anne (Cornman) Pearce, whom he wed September 16, 1988. Later he was employed as a custodian for the Marion Center Area School District.
He is a member of the Dayton Global Methodist Church.
Surviving is his wife, Anne; daughters, Annetta (Bill) Denning, Marion Center, and Regina (Tom) Himes, Slate Lick; grandchildren, Bill (Olivia) Denning, Marion Center, and Breanne (Matt) Lockhart, Smicksburg; great grandchildren Liam and Nora Denning and Hannah and Eli Lockhart; and many nieces, nephews, and several in-laws who loved him like a brother.
Preceding Jerry in death were his parents; daughter, Ellie Pearce; five sisters and three brothers (all originally from Missouri). Jerry was the last of his siblings to pass away.
Friends will be received on Friday, November 17 from 2 to 3 pm at the John A Lefdahl Funeral Home.
A Memorial Service will immediately follow in the Lefdahl Chapel with Rev. Barry Ritenour, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Miracle League, YMCA, 50 N Ben Franklin RD, Indiana, PA 15701 or Indiana VNA Hospice, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701.
www.lefdahlfuneralhome.com
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