Edward "Ed" Forrest Chidester

Edward "Ed" F. Chidester, age 84 of Albia, passed away on Tuesday August 26, 2014, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Ed was born June 12, 1930, to Dewey Forrest and Blanche Velma (Fallon) Chidester in rural Monroe County. Ed attended Country School in Monroe County. After school he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. On February 27, 1954 he married Norma Jean Morgan in Albia. To this union, 5 children were born, Peggy, Dale, Kathy, Ron, and Karin. They shared 44 years of marriage before Norma's passing June 7, 1998. Ed farmed all his life. He also worked for 24 ½ years at John Morrell's in the maintenance department and was a strong supporter of the Union UPWA Local P-1. When the plant closed, he helped start Chidester and Stocker Inc. which specialized in backhoe and excavation services. Ed was a 50 year member of the Astor Lodge #505, a Charter Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #3583, and the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136. He was an avid race fan. In his younger years he participated in go-kart races. He later sponsored stock cars and IMCA modified cars. Ed loved traveling through the United States of America, the most beautiful country in the world and was especially proud to take his family on a trip in 1969 where they camped all the way to California and back. He also enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair, Red Haw State Park, and the Old Threshers Reunion. Family was everything to Ed, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He hosted many steak cookouts and later hog roasts for family and friends. Ed didn't know a stranger, he was a caring and giving man who was known to many as "Uncle Ed" Ed is survived by his children, Dale (Vicki) Chidester, Kathy Lientz and fiancé (Terry Unverzagt), both of Austin, MN. Ron Chidester and special friend (Annie Chwalek) of Albia, and Karin (Larry) Jackson of Richmond, TX; 8 grandchildren, Callie, Steve, Troy, Shellese, Joe, Lyna, Maggie, and Garrett; and 17 great grandchildren, Joey, Blake, Brett, Wyatt, Ella, Hazel, Ali, Xhander, Kaya, Cora, Johanna, Alayna, Brenna, Olivia, Jackston, Jayce, and Presley; a sister, Pat (Ray) Reed; a brother, Donnie (Mary) Chidester, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean; his parents, Dewey and Blanche; a daughter, Peggy Lahart-Rogers; a granddaughter, Shana Jean Lientz; a brother, Bob (Shirley) Chidester; a sister, Mary (Walter) Guffey; and a great friend and business partner C.J. (Lucky) Stocker. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 30, 2014, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Neil Montz officiating. Burial with funeral rites provided by the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3583 and military rites provided by the American Legion of Melrose Albia, and Lovilia will be in Oak View Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2014, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with masonic rites at 7:00 provided by Astor Lodge 505 in Albia, with Ed's family present from 5-8 p.m. A memorial has been established to Monroe County Hospice or the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial.

Edward "Ed" Forrest Chidester

June 12, 1930 - August 26, 2014